The little town of New Haven, Indiana decided that it was time to have a celebration instead of just hunkering down to try to outsmart the Corona virus. Indiana had decided that by Independence Day, life should be allowed to go back to almost normal; so New Haven planned an Independence Day Parade, subject to any last minute change in the Governor’s orders. A few last minute changes were issued, but the parade was a GO!
Among others, our 2020 High School Seniors had their graduation ceremonies cancelled, modified and rescheduled - then modified again. My grandson and his girlfriend were part of the Class of 2020 who had been jerked around and we decided that we would take advantage of the Independence Day Parade to recognize our two special Seniors.
So, I took their personalized yard signs (provided by the school system), made some frames for the stake pockets on Ham’s ’48 and made the truck into a float for the parade. It turned out a lot better than I had expected – but the real high point was two young adults taking applause and congratulations all along the parade route.
Now this was a typical small town parade except this year we didn’t have the High School Band – social distancing and no school for 4 months. But, the Summit City Wheeler Jeep Club signed up for the event and there were about 50 some-odd Jeeps there for the parade. Now, it wasn’t a Toledo JeepFest parade, but 50 Jeeps showing up at one time does draw a lot of attention. Although we get used to seeing several hundred/thousand Jeeps at JeepFest, most folks think 50 at one time is a lot. My son-in-law commented, “Those Jeeps behind you just kept on coming and coming and coming!”
There was some shuffling of the parade order at the last minute and I realized that the organizers had put me and my two Seniors at the head of the Jeep contingent. The Senior Truck (so called both by having the Graduates on board as well as being the oldest Jeep there) got to lead up the Jeep section! As I headed the group down Broadway in New Haven, I felt like the pace car at Bristol – those younger Jeeps were just rarin’ to go, but they all behaved well.
It was a very nice day. There was a good crowd who really applauded the kids and gave them the recognition that fate has denied them this year.
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