If you’re looking for a tutorial on how to build a winning entry for a small town July 4th parade, this is your post!
Okay, maybe I should back up. As I’ve mentioned before, our beach has an annual July 4th parade with bikes, cars, and floats. This year’s parade was actually the weekend after the fourth, and boy did we have a float idea.
Dad has a 1971 VW Bug Convertible named Bonnie Blue. Broadkill has bugs if the wind is blowing the wrong way. So the idea was born–It’s a Bug’s Life, featuring Bonnie Blue dressed up with everything that reminds us of Broadkill Beach.
So there were flamingos, flags, and floaties galore. And a few horseshoe crabs! All strapped expertly on to the car.
I also made signs for each side of the car which told everyone that “It’s a Bug’s Life” and that the car was featuring Miss Sharin Repellent, the queen of the bugs, played by me!
The second component of the award winning entry was our marching band–the BBC Marching Fly Band. After last year’s parade, Eileen decided that the parade needed a band. So she organized one, with her on the trumpet, Noel on the trombone, Carlos on cowbell, and Tony and Art on the drums. They practiced a ton the day before the parade, and by step off they were ready with their renditions of The Star Spangled Banner, the Washington Post March, and Louis Louis!
Add in a set of matching BBC shirts, complete with tiki patches and our names on the back, and we were ready to roll. Our neighbor Sally, who helped Dad with the car, rode along and we were ready to put on a show! As we lined up we were on the look out for the judges–who I have to say take this parade VERY seriously–and when we saw them coming Eileen rushed everyone into formation and into a song. The judges passed us by, but soon they were back, and handing dad the envelope for the first prize for first place car!
As we rode down the street in parade formation, we were jubilant. Everyone loved the the band and the car, and we got so many laughs and cheers. It was fantastic even though it was (literally) the hottest day EVER! And we’re already brainstorming for next year!
{ 6 comments } | 
Print This Post
| 
Email This Post
|
990square
990square
990square
990square
Correction! “It’s a Dad’s Life”. Beach, friends, neighbors, family….PRICELESS! Love you all! Dad.
Oh my heavens, that is such a great idea and so much FUN!
Good job on first place! Very creative.
Just catching up on my blog reading B – love the comment from your Dad! It was hotter than Hades, wasn’t it? I was so happy to land and it was 69 degrees when my husband picked me up from the airport.
I actually make a version of Bill’s bbq in my crock pot with pork shoulder, white vinegar, crushed red pepper and tabasco. I cook it overnight. Then in the morning when it cools, I mince it up and put it back in the juices for all day. The first time I made it for my husband he said “where’s the bbq sauce.” Um, this is North Carolina BBQ! He then proceeded to put BBQ sauce on it!
WOOT!!!! So much FUN!!! So freakin hot, but such a blast! Can’t wait for next year! :)
You guys are hilarious!!!!! What fun.