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 That was a good idea. For spectators, the sun was
dropping and creating great shaded areas on the west side of the
Historic Mount Pulaski Courthouse Square. Planners lined the street
on the west side of the block with folding chairs. Another good
idea. Guests enjoyed the opportunity to sit right on the edge of the
street in comfortable seat.
The change in time was also a good thing for the numerous local
candidates running for public office early next year. Those folks
had dual duty on Saturday as all of them from State Representative
Tim Butler to Logan County competitors for Coroner, Circuit Clerk,
State’s Attorney and Circuit Judge all were able to participate in
both parades.
As the parade time approached the streets filled with spectators
there to cheer for their favorite entries in the parade. Kids
brought their big bags for candy collection and were not
disappointed as dozens of entries included the traditional tossing
of candy as a part of their participation in the parade.
This year the parade featured many local folks, including members of
the local FFA and the Shriners Tractor Collectors meant there was
tractor after tractor with happy folks smiling and waving from the
seats or standing on the back or sitting on the fenders of the
machines. As they passed by, folks on the sidelines called out to
friends and did the “woot-woot” for farm implements they enjoyed
seeing in the parade.
This year the Grand Marshal for the parade was a very
well-known fellow in the Mount Pulaski area. Many know Allen Schaal
as one of those who always seems to be carrying a camera and
snapping pictures here and there. Many of those shots ended up in
the Mount Pulaski Times, and readers had the opportunity to admire
Schaal’s work from the pages of the paper. Schaal is also active
with the Mount Pulaski Township Genealogical and Historical Society
and volunteers at the society center on a regular basis.
Schaal rode in the back of a sweet little convertible
and enjoyed waving and calling out to friends as he passed by.
Other notable entries included the newest members of
Mount Pulaski Royalty.
The Cutest Lil’ Farmer Ross Jones and Lil’ Miss Mount Pulaski
Alexandra Bobell shared a ride in the back of a convertible.
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In the next convertible was Junior Miss Mount Pulaski
Eva Leonard and Miss Mount Pulaski Meredith Nixon.
Another set of ladies who make up the Logan County Royalty - Miss
Logan County Fair Queen Skye Kretzinger, Little Miss Jolie Grisham
and Junior Miss Anna Kindred were also in the parade.
Before the parade visitors downtown enjoyed the many vendor tables
set up around the square. Kids had a real treat with numerous bouncy
houses and inflatable obstacle courses and slides to choose from.
The ponies and the petting zoo were popular as well as the balloon
artists and face painter.
After the parade there were still great things to do including
grabbing a bite to eat from Nuthatch Hill BBQ, the corn dog vendor
or the famous Mount Pulaski donut makers. Caramel corn was also a
available and a fundraiser cookout was in the works for just a wee
bit later.
All-in-all, it was a great weekend in Mount Pulaski that lasted into
the evening with live music and lots of opportunities for folks to
gather together to visit and enjoy each other’s company.
[Nila Smith]
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