What a fun weekend.
Farm and City Days is one of my favorite times of the year. It’s also one of my most exhausting. This past Friday and Saturday were filled with more events than one person could really attend—if they even tried to attend them all–which I did.
By 4 o'clock Saturday I was kaput.
But, after a half hour nap, awakened by a phone call in the office, I was reminded I had yet one more thing to do before the day was done: attend the parade. This year the Star Eagle was named one of three grand marshals, which meant I got to be in the parade instead of watching (and taking pictures) from the sidelines.
Unsure of whether I should bring my camera along, I asked the other marshals, as well as the mayor, all of whom responded with an emphatic “Yes!”
It went by a lot faster than I thought it would. I guess riding in the parade condenses time.
My only regret is that I didn’t throw enough candy.
We were warned to throw candy sparingly, and so we did–to a point where we had some left at the end of the route.
Argh. I guess there’s next time.
The night was capped off with a street dance, which, coincidentally, is the only event we don’t really feature in our coverage of Farm and City Days. I guess you could say I took the night off.
Seeing so many familiar faces this weekend warmed my heart and rejuvenated me. I was left asking myself why we don’t do more celebrations like this, and then I was reminded that if we did this every weekend, it wouldn’t be so special.
My dad was quite proud the Star Eagle was represented as one of the grand marshals of this year’s parade. I thought I should mention that, since several people have asked.
I would also like to respond to those who’ve commented how tired I look as of late. Yes, I work many hours, but I love what I do. Quite honestly I would do this for free. I’m incredibly grateful that something this fulfilling is how I am spending my days. I have the readers, the local community, and our local businesses to thank for this opportunity. Without you, there would be no Star Eagle.
Some fun tidbits
During this year’s kiddie tractor pulls I was able to learn the names of some folks who I took pictures of last year. The best was in reference to Shelby Priebe who was a feature photo on last year’s Farm and City photo pages. One of her family members said, “That picture is still stuck in my mind,” referring to her facial expressions as she encouraged her daughter Lizzy to pedal harder.
The Reese and Wobbrock families were a hoot again as they came out in droves. Several times their kids made reference to their “fame” in the newspaper during the weekend’s festivities. As before, I’m grateful people read the paper and that seeing their picture included brings them so much pride. It’s why I, and everyone at the paper, do what we do. Thank you again, and thank you to everyone who helped make Farm and City Days special.