If the Loop slows down, click on the slideshow forward button
It was difficult to choose the shots I wanted in this slideshow as there were so many wonderful scenes of the best Holiday Parade ever--sort of like the Best Commission and best City Manager ever. We all compare events and people to predecessors but I believe this was the best parade.
As the Mayoral and Commissioner float came by, the Vice Mayor turned his back to me. Andy greeted the other side of the street as well. But they have turned their backs on thousands of people in this city by their recent action.
I couldn't help but notice the joy and spirit in the air which is indicative to the season and to think about all of those who are suffering, who are alone, who have lost their homes, their jobs, who are in ill health and may be down on their luck. Hopefully, we will remember that our hearts should be bigger, not only at this time of year, but every day.
Thanks so much for the pictures. I agree, it was a wonderful parade.
ReplyDeleteDJ
I asked the "rat lady" if this was the same rat of a few years ago...that I hadn't seen her over the past year. She said, "no, so an so had died. This is my new friend." She also mentioned that she herself had been in bad health.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't help but think of smoke and if that "did her rat in." I was surrounded by smokers last night and two drunks. I hope that wasn't typical of the crowd but rather just my bad luck at a location to hang out.
No, I think the drunk part was pretty typical. I especially enjoyed the marching bands, they were wonderful!! LC Swain Middle School was surprisingly good, given their age group. And the LWHS uniforms were beautiful. I'm very happy for them.
ReplyDeleteBUT- since when did gun-toting children become synonymous with the holidays? The "military" presence was gross and inappropriate for a Holiday Parade, in my opinion. No offense meant to veterans.
This sounds like a Cara Jennings remark.
ReplyDeleteSomeone said rather casually last night "I wonder how many of these kids will be here in 10 years?" It was a powerful question. I didn't answer it but I thought about it today.
These are young people who have a love of country and who are willing to defend it with the ultimate sacrifice if need be for YOU. They deserve every recogntion in this world, especially a Holiday Parade that even had a vehicle advertsing Liberty Tax Services.
No offense to veterans? Great love of Jesus who ever you are. What a great country we have where someone can put down high schoolers learning how to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. You should be ashamed.
ReplyDeleteIt seemed odd and dangerous that cars were parked on Lucerne and Lake, the parade route. I don't recall cars parked there before and wonder why they were there this year. The cars, at least where I was, pushed people into the street and seemed dangerous. I suggest that the city clear the streets next year.
ReplyDeleteLynn, I think people would rather hate people. It is much more fun.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great parade, makes me so proud to live here. Loved hearing people say, "Merry Christmas." I loved the school bands, Roosevelt Middle Schools was excellent. So much spirit, love it so much. No worries Lynn, my Priest Father Joe turned his back on me too, he is just homophobic toward gays in the Catholic Church. Too bad the PB Di. doesn't have a more accepting priest here in LW since Lake Worth is the gay capital of PB. Overall, super parade, loved it as much as the Pride Fest one. Father Joe, I forgive you for blowing me off.
ReplyDeleteMy friend from California who just moved here said that in CA they would never have a parade allowing so many crosses and church pushers or young kids caring guns (ROTC) in a parade there. I loved all the Bolivian dancers. The guys were hot!
ReplyDeleteAwww, I havent seen the rat lady in ages. I love LW, always colorful interesting people who sometimes drive me crazy but I wouldn't trade them for living in a gated community.
ReplyDeleteDo you really think that out of the thousands of people lining the streets in the dark the 2 commissioners you mentioned were able to pick you out from a moving, elevated float and had the time and thought process to turn away from you? That's quite delusional on your behalf.
ReplyDeleteA very reliable source tells me that neither one of them gives a crap what you write or think.
Well, if someone looks directly at you and then looks away, that is not exactly delusional now is it?
ReplyDeleteAs far as not giving a crap about what I write, that's fine by me. They have proven that they don't give a flying F^&* about what one-half of the city thinks. It would be very smart if they reached out to those other than their immediate supporters.