Parades

This morning was the Fourth of July parade. Hutchinson is a town of about 50,000 – big enough to have a parade, small enough that you’ll bump into people you know at the parade – or see them in the parade, as in this case.

I was at the Women’s Civic Center, a building Trish has taken the lead on preserving. It was given to the library and they wanted to move it or tear it down. I approached them about using it as office space for the MHA but it was way too big for our needs.
But, the Arts and Humanities Council is going to take it over and use it for office space and also a performance area. It is the perfect use. It’s a wonderful building on main street, right next to the library, and a block from where I used to live.

I recently joined the board of the Arts and Humanities Council and we decided to give away ice water and lemonade today for the parade. It was a big success. Andrea has been on this board for a long time, but unfortunately her term is about up so we’ll only get to be together on it for a short while.

I went to help, but ended up not doing much other than visiting. I ran into Austin and his finace, Amy. Austin is Diana’s son, and I just adore him. He’s tons of fun – always in a good mood and very witty. I’m always tickled to run into him. Amy is very sweet but I haven’t had a lot of chance to get to know her well yet since she doesn’t live in town.

Julie and her husband were nearby and came over to visit. I also ran into Rob, who’s the head of United Way here. Rob and worked together many years ago when we were both in the radio business. Rob is Martha’s brother, just so you have the connections.

It was also a day for politicians, of course. What Fourth of July parade would be complete without that? Mark Treaster, who I’m so very happy was elected last year, walked in the parade and then came over to chat. His wife, Mary, is also on the board of the Arts and Humanities Council. Mark is a really good guy and I’m so glad he’s in Topeka. He’s not in my district so I couldn’t vote for him, but was sure tickled he won.

The democrats had a float, but I didn’t participate this year. Kathie was very involved in making it happen.

It was good to see everyone and enjoy the parade. I try to take advantage of those little bits of life that are disappearing. There are things about small town America that I love.