Parade Rest

Parade Rest

After a week in the shop, getting tested, elected (lights fixed), braked (emergency tightened) and inspected, Rosie the Roadster was ready for the annual July 4th parade, held this year on the 4th of July in Edgarville, our small county-seat, a mere six miles from Rosie’s Oak Bluffs’ residence. I washed and polished the roadster.  Joycie affixed a couple of pom-pom time adornments and we taped small American flags to either side of the wind-screen.  We were ready.
Joycie preferred to watch rather than ride, so I flew solo.  I’d registered with both Ted Morgan, 90-year-old parade marshal, as well as town selectmen, so I felt confident I could motor over to the Edgartown School.  I was excited!
At the school I was motioned closer and closer to the front of the parade line-up, my heart beating faster as I passed float after float, finally reaching the important group that led the parade: the veterans.  Antique autos at the head of the parade were designated to carry veterans.  However, the veterans preferred to walk, so politicians filled the cars instead.  Five Oak Bluffs selectmen crawled in and over each other ahead of me.  A local pol drove an old Mustang ahead of me, and a girl behind me transported her grandfather, one veteran who preferred to ride, in her jeep.
Tom Hallahan and John Alley, two County Commissioners, were assigned to sit on my big backseat, and there they perched for the hour-long parade.  We set off, right at 5 pm, and I proudly motored along, a no more than 5 mph, over the long route.  What a thrill to drive along, waving at throngs along the way.  Tom and John enjoyed themselves, tossing candy and comments at myriad bystanders.  It was a warm, wonderful experience.
It did take an hour to make the loop through Edgartown.  I saw Joyce, Jen and Shealyn waving away.  And I saw many other friends: Judy and Peter Case, Paul Gilbert and family, Judi Williamson, Darren Belisle and Lucia Hayman, Stephanie Dryer and daughters, as well as Robe and Abigail and Delilah from my school bus route.  It certainly was a high point of the summer to ride in the parade and I’m so proud that the Jeepster never stalled out, the brakes held and the motor purred the whole route.  What a day!