Hastings Rivertown Days Parade 2017
The Hastings Rivertown Days Parade is a big event every year. It’s fun to see people we know in the community handing goodies out to the kids. We also enjoy the creative and fun floats, vehicles and walkers.
For a severe allergy family, we can’t enjoy the candy, but the kids always have fun collecting it. The big girls usually gather up all of the candy and divide it among themselves. I give the little kids safe, homemade “candy” or safe treats that I’ve found online.
This year, we went to the Kingdom Hall early in the morning, then rushed home as fast as we could (while not speeding, safety first!) for the parade. The kids changed into play clothes and we rushed down to try to find a spot. As usual, the roads were packed with people. Every year, people set out chairs, blankets, and towels to reserve their spots. The curbs, sidewalks, and lawns are always packed with people.
The parade was well under way by the time we got there, but it wasn’t even halfway over. One year, the parade was over two hours long! Thankfully, this year it was only about an hour. Two hours can get kind of long for little ones.
Right away, we found our friend’s Matt and Silvana and their children. They were kind enough to let us join them. While the little kids gathered up goodies, we relaxed in the shade of the tree we were under. Thankfully, this year it was mostly cloudy. Other years have been hot and sunny. I always feel bad for the marching band kids in full sleeved jackets.
There were a few new additions to the parade this year. Sponsors rented a fire truck that had been active in New York during 9/11. Little Log House Pioneer Village had a huge piece of antique farm equipment. As usual, there were mobile bands, marching bands, horses, and local businesses. I really enjoyed the landscaping displays. It was a beautiful and fun day.
Does your family enjoy going to parades?
Check out our video!
