7 Comments
User's avatar
Jill Swenson's avatar

In Afton, Minnesota, the Fourth of July parade shuts down State Highway 95 through the town and those marching in the parade head south on one side of the highway for a half-dozen blocks and then they turn around and march north on the other side of the highway. Shriners, stilt-walkers, marching bands, clowns, Queen of the Lakes in convertible limos. The real deal!

Expand full comment
Lori Olson White's avatar

Man, @Jill, I’m sad I missed that one! Most of the ones we marched at were in central MN, tho after I graduated and they got a new band director, the HS band would travel all over - even to the Rose Bowl parade one year!

Expand full comment
Jill Swenson's avatar

High school marching bands are so much fun to watch. Put Afton on your list for next year. Bring the kids and extra bags as the amount of candy and ice pops thrown is like Halloween on steroids.

Expand full comment
Denyse Allen's avatar

Shutting down the highway is wow! It must have been something to watch.

Expand full comment
Jill Swenson's avatar

Well into his eighties, my dad wouldn't miss the Afton parade even with the heat and his limited mobility. Watching the joy on his face was half the fun.

Expand full comment
Nancy G. Carver's avatar

I am going to need to really dig into my memory. Maybe if I get my yearbooks out. I remember songs and kids from school. That’s the year I got my first job and my driver’s license and first steady boyfriend. But parades. Hm. Hm …

Expand full comment
Lori Olson White's avatar

Oh yes- dig out those yearbooks! Can’t wait to have you share your bicentennial stories!

Expand full comment