Each year on the 4th of July Clayton's Hillcrest neighborhood holds a parade which begins at the corner of Demun and Arundel. The route goes down Demun to Aberdeen, down Aberdeen to Dartford, Dartford to Arundel and back Arundel to Demun. Adults, babies, kids on decorated bikes and dogs all walk. Some neighbors sit on their porches or sidewalks and wave. Truly, this is a perfect Independence Day way to celebrate, America as we all like to think of it.
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First of all let's be clear that Uncle Sam was here today.
Before the parade began, everyone milled around talking and, since the thermometer read 90 at the start, water was welcome.
This is Fudgie, she was very warm but after a quick drink she went on about her business being happy to see everyone.
Oh look, there's Dale and Ferdie. This is Ferdie's first time at the Hillcrest parade.
He did what he was born to do, be nice to little kids.
All the bikes were decked out in Red White and Blue.
The kids were too.
Somehow a Cubs cap just seems so wrong.
Two cool guys.
A few of the neighborhood band guys played the National Anthem
And we're off.
Under the nice Clayton tree canopy, the walkers stretched all the way down the street.
A man points out someone to a little girl while his wife waits
Then they're back in line.
Nice.
This family was sitting outside the house watching.
And so was this family.
Hi Sharalyn
There's Uncle Sam again either passing out candy or watching someone fix a breakdown.
At the end, bikes were tipped to the ground while everyone went for snowcones or popcorn or cotton candy or the dunk a punk or pony rides.
No one minded a little brain freeze today
And then there were the dogs, so many dogs who all did really well with each other and the heat.
Nice morning, hot, but nice. Now everyone has the rest of the day to cool off or do whatever else they many have planned.
Happy 4th everyone.
Thank you for sharing. I miss this neighborhood and the people so much. Stay cool and have a happy 4th!
Posted by: Diane F | July 04, 2012 at 11:41 AM
Our little parade in StLouis Hills paled by comparison.It starts and ends at our niece and nephew's house.They started this many years ago and does it pretty much by herself.Neighbors help with snacks and the kids help too.It's a nice tradition.
Your parade looks like lots of fun.
Posted by: Kahok | July 04, 2012 at 05:24 PM