We took a short drive to Deb and Mike’s place on the edge of the water in Salem MA to see the local parade.
Anya looked like a little 4th of July doll with her dress of navy and white stars on the top and red and white strips on the bottom. We all wore decorative necklaces along with cheerful headbands. Some of us (Stan) left them in the car.
This is like no other parade you have seen. Yes there was a marching band, a jazz band and four or five guys with red, white and blue striped instruments playing patriotic songs on a float. The other floats and folks walking with hand painted posters added the color. Every recent historical event was satirized. Some not so tongue in cheek.
People were lined up on both sides of the narrow street to view the parade. Very low tech. Very much fun.
After the parade we walked a few more blocks to Willows park. Anya road the old fashioned carousel horses on a ride that seemed to go round lickety split. Almost more like terror for a two and half year old then joy. She was a good sport about it, but I think she really enjoyed the boats better. The horses and other animals on the carousel were old and probably hand carved. It was a delight.
We picked up some lunch and walked a short distance across the grass filled with ancient giant willow trees as tall as you could see to the edge of the walkway to watch the boats and swimmers in the bay.