At the end of the annual Valle Verde Town Council meeting in the spring, the mayor and the council members found themselves with a surplus in the annual budget. What to do with this unexpected bounty? Why not have the first Valle Verde 4th of July parade? To make it official, a vote was called, and the results showed that everyone was in favor.
With some money and a decision in hand, posters, banners, buntings, and flags — plenty of flags — were ordered. A team of volunteers set out to carry out the best Independence Day parade the town has ever seen.
It was decided that the old Porter will be spruced up, and together with the tourist wagon, will be the official train for the parade.
Some of the council members own vintage vehicles, so the parade will show off an oldie but goodie, a dark blue 1950 Chevy pick-up truck, and a couple of prized 1956 Ford Thunderbirds, one in powder blue and the other in cherry red. The mayor, of course, will want to show off his silver metallic 1988 Porsche 959. (Valle Verde might be a sleepy town, but there is money in those hills!)
Fliers were sent to all the townspeople and to a couple of nearby towns. After all, the more attendees, the better.
The townsfolk responded enthusiastically and dressed up the front of their houses and business in red, white, and blue as a way of showing their patriotic pride, and to lend an air of festivities to the town.
It is very early in the morning of July 4th, and while all the decorations are in place, nobody is up yet.
Where is the parade?
Sure enough, the parade is coming down the middle of Railroad Ave. The mayor and his wife dressed up for the occasion. Their daughter did not want to put on funny clothing, but agreed to carry the old Stars and Stripes as she spearheads the parade.
Lots of people have arrived early to find the best spots from which to watch.
Apparently, the flag vendor had a successful day, since it looks like there are flags everywhere.
Everyone is having a good time, and the rumor mill is full of positive comments about this event. Not only it turned out to be a very nice day, but it is a great opportunity to see neighbors who they normally don’t get to see often.
As the parade continues down Railroad Ave., and as everyone is feeling proud and happy to be part of the festivities, the council members are already making plans to make this an annual event. They plan to start a fundraising effort focused on a bigger and better Independence Day parade next year.
