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Nashville, TN: I try to avoid major holidays whenever possible, so there's less of a let-down when they're not as spectacular or amazing as you think they should be (thanks to the likes of Hallmark and bad made-for-TV-movies that provide false hope). Luckily, it seems as though others feel the same way and went as far as creating a party the day before this month's
big holiday, dubbing it
The Thirth of July Block Party. It was either that or an excuse to drink in public, but in any event it was awesome.
However, I decided to truly take the day off today (no emails and just a teeny bit of
FB) and was hoping to spend the entire day in jammies when my friend Justin called & invited me to a 4th of July parade. The last thing I wanted to do was stand out in the blazing heat, watching people march by and wave at me. Mainly because I had a hangover thanks to my pre-holiday celebrating, but also because the idea just didn't sound fun in general.
But this wasn't your typical parade. I had heard that last year, a 6 year old kid living on Fatherland Street in East Nashville, had decided she wanted to have a parade on the 4th. So she put signs up around the block and at 1:30pm, she walked outside to find people outside, waiting for the parade!
Thus began the tradition of the 4th of July Parade on 17th & Fatherland.
Considering this might be too amazing to pass up, I decided to get out of bed, take some Aleve and brave the heat.
From a
youtube clip I found from last year's parade, the music was lead by Linwood and Adam Schatz (keyboardist and horn player on
Those Darlins records). I'm pretty sure it was them again, which would explain why the music was probably the best I've heard in any parade. (Not that I've been to that many parades... except
the big one once.) In addition, everyone participating was encouraged to bring instruments, so Justin brought his toy accordion... and I stuck with my camera.
There were kids on bikes,
big and little dogs,
and kind people to spray water in the street for their hot paws.
Plus, an appearance by the hippest & hottest Uncle Sam around these parts.
Of course, once the parade got to 16th Street,
it did the only logical thing it could do....
It turned around and went the other way!
Plus, there were other fun summer-y treats like a lemonade stand,
a baby pool,
and a string of empty beer cans.
(nothing screams summer like 5 PBRs dragging behind you.)
I've learned that if you are going to celebrate a major holiday, the key to it is not to plan what the BEST way to do it is. But rather, be open to random events and last minute invites.
Especially when they include hand-colored signs and free lemonade
in your own neighborhood.
Here's a quick clip from the festivities:
