july 4

With all the canceled fireworks displays around town (major drought, total burn ban... just reminding myself), we were so glad to have the Allandale neighborhood parade this year. It is a simple, old-fashioned, kids decorate their bikes, scout troops hold up banners kind of parade. But oh, so much fun for the kids. We love this sort of thing. It reminds us what a wonderful little neighborhood we live in.

The kids made signs for their bikes, planned out their red-white-and-blue outfits, and practiced their waves the night before the parade and were so excited when we started down the street to line up.







The parade itself goes for about 3 blocks. Ha! I love that. Anyhow... it was such a treat for the kids to actually be IN a parade. They were superstars. Riding with the crowd. Waving to the spectators. Watching the candy fly. Keeping a close eye on any dogs in the area (they are still terrified of dogs)







Afterward there was a little festival at the elementary school. Free breakfast tacos, free ice cream, revolutionary war drummers, lots of colorful neighborhood characters, and prizes for the best costumes & decorations.










Just some good old fashioned American fun.