Happy July 4th from Beech

Our attendance at the Beech parade was a little different this year. Norris' mother Ella is staying with us for the week. Norris had a job in the parade, so Ella and Cheryl went with some neighbors to watch. Norris has been posting photos on the RCFD website - he plans to upload more photos of the fire department's participation there. But as part of our tradition, we have quite a few photos to share here to celebrate our smaller-than-small-town holiday.

Last year, the organizers added a Veteran's float - it's the only actual "float" in the parade. Our landscaper Dave is carrying the huge flag behind the vets.

The decorated animals are always a feature - this year's standout -

The handler was good enough to turn her horse around so we could see the decorations on Side Two.

But as always, it seems the RCFD vehicles make up at least half the parade. Here's the 1969 engine that leads their part.


Norris drove the big Tanker this year -

He's smiling from a higher perch in this vehicle.

Cheryl's favorite photo of the crowd reaction is this one - she had noticed the elderly woman in the white sweater before the parade began, thinking how brave she was to come out in the heat when it wasn't even easy for her to walk around. But her enthusiasm for the Army National Guard towing vehicle that brought up the rear of the procession clearly demonstrates why she wanted to be there.

On the walk between our spot on the front lawn of the church to the Community Center, we passed these beautiful buntings, done by the homeowner (not visible in the photo.)


The RCFD vehicles lined up for the traditional display on the ball field.

The crowd mills about -


Norris and Ella are also waiting in anticipation -


for the dramatic appearance of the Mountain Area Medical Airlift team


....wrapping up the parade for another year.