What follows was submitted by Trudy Janssens:
Meota residents were disappointed that July 1 festivities were cancelled this year because of the pandemic. Many seniors love living in Meota and agree the precautions against COVID-19 are necessary and have been paying off, as no cases have been detected in the area.
As a community we do things that support one another. Some folks have found isolation has dampened their spirits. The idea of a parade was triggered by the Cinderella coach that drove around Meota July 1. Children and adults who got to have a ride had fun and spectators enjoyed the sight of the coach going around the village.
During a coffee “round table” discussion at the Iverson home, it was decided it was time Meota had some fun again. Leo Janssens and Warren Iverson, owners of classic VWs, were both looking forward to the Funk brother’s show and shine in Glaslyn, but it was cancelled.
Warren said, “We could always have our own parade and Elaine and Trudy could serve ice cream and root beer.”Trudy could design a poster and Warren could take it to the village council to get approval and get it printed. The time was tight, but sunny skies were forecast.
Numbers didn’t matter. The mode of transportation didn’ t matter. There would be no judges and no prizes. Just a good time for all. The parade started at 1 p.m. Aug. 16 at the Meota Community Complex and ended at 572 Beach Ave. Publicizing the event proved to be easier than anyone anticipated. Word of mouth led to someone posting it on social media. Next thing organizers knew there were 2,700 hits. The crowds lined up and people jumped at the chance to join the parade.
The village fire truck led the way, followed by flag bearing horses and riders. Next the local MLA, Larry Doke, in a white convertible was followed by the first of more than a dozen tractors and antique farm equipment. Antique cars and trucks and a classic horse and carriage were followed by children on bicycles, golf carts and clowns. Someone was even designated to be pooper scooper behind the horses. Best guess would be 85 entries.
Upon completion of the parade everyone was invited to have an ice cream cone and soft drink. Antique cars, trucks and bicycles were welcomed into the yard. There was a bit of a traffic jam on the corner as the tractors and horses all tried to negotiate their way home. The weather was perfect.
There are always a few lessons from being in a parade.
Horses will stop at a speed bump but the white convertible has good brakes. Just be sure the tractor following the car has good brakes, too.
The job of pooper scooper becomes more challenging if the horses decide to do an extra loop on the parade route. Something might be missed.
Pulling off a parade in under two weeks is possible in a village like Meota.
Thanks to Trudy for the writeup.
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