One of the surprising things about life is you are never too old to be surprised. After watching the parade and seeing everyone one in their proper places and the show going off flawlessly you think that it was a simple thing to have a parade. You called up a bunch of folks, got them together, put in them in a line and said “Go.”
Nothing could be further from the truth. The surprise and the fun was that you are totally unprepared for the activity and monumental cooperation it takes to get dozens and dozens of people together and have them all in their proper places ready to go when the parade starts.
People begin drifting in by ones and twos.
Everyone is properly dressed
They’re excited
They’re ready to have fun
Royalty is arriving with the littlest starting off first
It’s a chance to see friends and exchange greetings
And show off the cool stuff you get to carry with you
The horses are arrayed in all their finery and prance in place eager to be off
It’s also a chance to show off the incredible regalia needed to outfit the horses and riders properly, some of which are the result of hours of work to create, each piece being unique.
For some it is also a time for reflection
Colors, textures, craftsmanship and historical context are everywhere you look
Like any big maneuver it is often hurry up and wait
And it can be time for those last minute adjustments
As in every event that happens at the Crow Fair it is the drums that tie everything together.
Members of the parade committee help everyone find their places in line
And then suddenly it is time. They’re off to start another parade
The mounted riders head out first and everyone hurries to make sure they’re in the correct spot
After the mounted riders start, the floats begin to enter the line up. These Princesses are smiling and happy to be under way.
Some are wide-eyed with the wonder of it all. How many parades will this young person participate in? Hopefully many.
Families feel the excitement
Young mothers and their children are proud
What could be better than riding on a float in the best parade in the world
And as usual the veterans are not forgotten. They’re becoming fewer and fewer but those still here with us receive the respect of everyone, viewers and participants alike.
They’re off to complete the parade. They’ll travel throughout the camp and wind up back here to disband and see who won their respective categories. The next post will show that process as the paraders’ return. Stay tuned.
