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In the early afternoon, visitors took leisurely strolls about the
historic Mount Pulaski Courthouse Square, visiting with the animals
at the petting zoo or taking advantage of play time in the multiple
bounce houses that were available. Taking a ride on Mike’s Little
Train was also a fun activity.
Vendor booths were set with a wide variety of shopping opportunities
and food trucks were offering everything from shaved ice and ice
cream to cheese drenched foods, Mexican favorites and sweets such as
taffy and the delightful little donuts that are practically an
institution at the annual festival.
It was also a great day to do some people watching. Some guests
gathered on the courthouse lawn took a comfortable seat and just
watched as the world passed by. From the bright blue skies with
fluffy white clouds to the people who roamed the streets going from
one location to another, there was plenty to watch while passing the
time away waiting for the parade to start at 4 p.m.
As parade time approached crowds began to gather on Washington
Street in town. Many sought out the shade that was cast by the
west-side storefronts. They brought their lawn chairs and settled
in. As they waited they enjoyed greeting others from the community
who were there with the same purpose, to enjoy and cheer on the
entries of the parade.
The parade began as many do with bright lights and sirens screaming
from the vehicles of the local police department, the Logan County
Sheriff’s Department and local fire departments. Mount Pulaski
Police Chief Anthony West led the way up the hill from the south and
back down the hill to the north.
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Guests stood for the National Anthem as it was played in “Rock the
Hill” style on an electric guitar. They cheered loudly for Grand
Marshal Rick Volle, who drove himself and his wife in their stunning
Corvette. Tim and Jodi Deibert also got plenty of attention from the
crowd as the Mount Pulaski Volunteers of the Year.
Illinois Senator Sally Turner was on hand with many entries bearing
her signs forming a small parade within the larger one.
The Mount Pulaski sports teams were well represented in the parade
as was Zion Lutheran School.
Among the farm tractors that were in the parade was a special group
paying tribute to the late Caleb Coogan, a young man well-loved in
the community, missed by all, and forgotten by none.
From each parade entry candy flew in abundance, so much so that
children lining the streets were not able to collect it all before
more handfuls were tossed in their directions.
As the last entry passed by the crowd began to disburse slowly.
Everyone appeared to be having such a lovely time in the heart of
the city that none were all that anxious to leave.
Events would continue on into the evening with great expectations
that the fall festival would end well and all would go home a little
more tired, but none the less, happy for having been a part of the
special weekend in the community.
[Nila Smith] |
