I asked my brother if he was planning anything for the 4th and he texted back that he might take a break this year.
I totally got that and supported it.
Mom moved to Northside in June of 2002 and celebrated the start of the parade every year since. Covid lopped off a few years of the tradition after her passing and we enjoyed it again from her porch in ’22 and ’23. (Here’s my tag for all the years.)
Sometimes you need a new perspective.
I accepted an invite by friends Dan and Brett that live in the middle of the route to watch the parade go by. Bonus? Catching up with so many folks I hadn’t seen for years β like, a lot of years.
The potluck spread was extra good, rain didn’t dampen spirits and the parade was awesome. We usually see the start as it trickles out to Hamilton Avenue, but it’s like a snowball that picks up people along the route.
All the favorites were present… the lawn chair ladies, men’s drill team, school bands, Happen Inc, Casablanca Vintage, Chicken Lays an Egg and many new groups.
Two more good things of note:
- Before the parade I walked down the street to a live band playing on a porch (pictured above). They were singing Glory Days by Bruce Springsteen and that made me think of my sister.
- Kesha released a new single on her own label today β it’s silly fun.
