Don't Rain On My Parade

Parkside Marching Band



No Parade is complete without Clowns



Jackson County Rose Queen 2011

 I have to say this was one of the best Rose Parades I have seen in my town in quite a while. The skies were clear and even though it was hot [95F] at least it wasn't raining. It was great for picture taking but I'm sure was bad for marching. When I played in the band, we had to take these salt pills to keep us from passing out. I didn't take mine cause I thought the salt would make me thirsty. It wouldn't be so bad if we didn't have to wear those thick uniforms and gloves and those hats which helped to fry your brain. I went to the Holland Festival in Michigan and had to walk 5 miles! Luckily the Jackson County Rose Parade is only a little over 1 mile. When I was marching I prayed for cold weather. Now I feel guilty I want hot weather. These kids should not have to suffer like this but it's only for a short while and hey, they are young with tons of energy. I would definately pass out marching in this parade at my age but only cause of all that thick clothing.
 My sister was in the Parade riding on a float with 3 of her niece's kids and I found my brother in-law Steve and his dad watching from the lawn just in front of the sidewalk. I saw these other people on their lawn. They owned this beautiful old home. I asked when it was built they said around 1867. That's only 2 years after the Civil War! In fact there is another old home right next to their's and when I ride my bike I feel like I'm in South Carolina during the Civil War. Now I see why. At the end of this years parade there was a big BBQ tent with lots of food. I suppose all the marchers had a goal to march to all that grub.