Small Town Celebrations , A glimpse of the past

No small town celebration would be complete without a parade. In the past couple of months I have attended several of these celebrations in my area of central Iowa. They have names like Prairie Festival, Frontier Days, and Western Days etc. No matter where you are or what they are called there is a striking similarity. All the local officials come out and wave from passing vehicles during the parade, Local saddle clubs, churches, and businesses prepare floats to commemorate the event. The fire departments from surrounding communities show their trucks as local children scurry to gather the candy thrown out as they pass, friends and family visit with one another. No parade is complete without a glimpse of the past, the antique cars and tractors. The proud owners prepare them for the event all are washed and shined up. Some will be decorated while others carry a U.S. flag or one for their club. As they pass, a certain mood change comes over the crowd. Everyone seems to stop what they are doing and all eyes are on the tractors. Parents can be heard to supply their young children with information tid bits like, "my grandpa had a tractor like that". Many gasps of breath can be heard as a nicely restored antique rolls by. Occasionally a group will perform a well-planned routine that leaves the onlookers amazed by the agility of these old machines that are often thought to be cumbersome. Often the tractors and cars will gather in a common area to allow the crowd a closer look and a chance to visit with the owners, who are always ready to tell their tractors story. Cameras are not only welcome but also encouraged at these events.