Emden's Homecoming Parade theme "Christmas in July" cool

[July 17, 2017]  EMDEN - This year's Emden Homecoming Parade theme "Christmas in July" was held on Saturday, July 15th. The parade for the 70th Annual Homecoming attracted close to 40 entries.

The parade and other festivities are all part of the regular homecoming traditions enjoyed by many families, traditions that bind.

Some things don't change from one generation or decade to another, especially in small towns. On Saturday afternoon families lined their neighborhood streets preparing to watch the parade run through and kids were ready with bags to catch all the candy that would be tossed to them.

To fit in with the Christmas in July theme, a few entries had elves dressed in summer attire. Several decorated Christmas trees surrounded by presents as part of their float.

Other entries included several fire trucks, antique cars, tractors, and farm equipment, plus various local businesses and organizations. The 2016 Logan County Fair Queen Michelle Paulus and Little Miss Presley Baker also participated, as well as in many other parades during their reigns.

Rounding out the entries was Santa Claus, who appeared to be on a vacation to the beach with an umbrella during his off season.

Afterward, hungry parade goers knew where they could purchase pork chops from a roadside tent and flocked there.

The holiday theme of the parade helped bring in the feeling and spirit of Christmas on a warm summer day.

[Angela Reiners]