4th Of July-St. Ignace Style

July 05, 2014

His Shirt Says, "INDEPENDENT"

This year, July 4th brought back memories of my childhood and of my girls’ younger days. (They’ll be glad I don’t have my pictures with to post of them)

Downtown in St. Ignace, Michigan

Patriot, Waiting for the Parade to Come By

Yes, I put large bows in their hair, made them wear dresses and insisted the parade was fun. They were the kids on the side-lines with their ears plugged with their fingers, worried looks on the faces, when the clowns came by, and ready to jump into the road, when they saw the horses approaching.

Never Feels Like a Parade Without Horses
(Gaylord Used Klondike Horses in the Parade)

"WHY IS IT SO LOUD?"

"I'm Saving My Ears So I Can Play Cello in a Symphony, Someday!"

The Clowns Are Coming!

Mom and I walked down the street with my sister, Kathy, and her husband, Pete. Their son, Daniel and his family were downtown, too, to experience the parade.

Amelia, One Hand Gripping Candy.
The Other Pointing to the Parade

My Nephew, Daniel, and His Daughter, Amelia

Daniel's Wife, Colleen, and Amelia, Sitting on the Curb

The faces, colors, movement and patriotism radiated in St. Ignace. I was appreciative of parents, grandparents and children saying, "Ok, no problem”, when I wanted to snap a photo. St. Ignace is a congenial city when it comes to community.

These Young Girls Let Me Snap Their Picture

Sister and Brother (With blue, spiked hair)

St. Ignace Fireman, With His Loving Daughter

Relaxed Parade Watchers With Their Retrievers
(The one in the front is 15 years old, the other 3 yrs.)

A Smaller Dog, Decked Out for the Holiday

Grandma With Her Grandson
(He's not so sure this is fun)

I remember being in a parade when I got brown, yucky smelling paint on, a wig and a deerskin outfit (bare feet, of course). Many of us walked down the street in the parade. (to showcase the Indian Pageant playing each summer, on Kiwanis Beach)

Decorated Bikes!

I remember decorating a bike for a few years. It was a big deal. I always thought mine was the greatest. I didn’t understand why I didn’t place first, second or third. I think first place was a fifty-cent piece.

I eventually got to hate the races at the football field. When I ran the three-legged race, wheelbarrow race or the sack race a fall was certain to cause pain. (Laughs, too, but usually not until later in the day)

The following pictures will tell the story. Blue-sky, rippling water, crying, music-making and smiling faces and of a celebration of our country’s independence.