July 4th Celebration
The Follies Parade

What a great day for a parade! Even so, when the cowsuits were on, we were hot! And not just because of the weather! We immediately started getting responses to our outfits from the crowd as we walked up to our place in line for the parade. Lane kept yelling out stuff like "Eat more Chicken", and "Eat more fish every day." Trying to make the world a safer place for cows.

Marching in this parade might initially not seem to be a show biz experience, but once you've done it, you realize this is another one of those "Follies moments" that take place when you feel the rush of..."we are a little different here...the crowd is loving this...people will remember this group and our spirit!" Go, Follies!

We assembled early, some helped with decorating the cars, some got the electronics going so there was music to march to, some put on costumes, some learned a routine(from Jo) to be performed during the parade, some did procurement of flags, and everone had fun seeing friends. In preparation for this time, Dan Goodman, Gene Caylor, Rob Woolson, Julie and Larry Fletcher, Marion and Jerry Scully, Jeff Kane (I lost track - was he riding a motorcycly or was that him in Marge and Steve's car?), Marge and Steve Clingan, and Steve Quick did planning and prepared sound, costumes, cars, and tech stuff. We had two cars, one with audio for marchers and, one because it's so neat, Clingan's Model T (or something) type car. Johnny rode in "sound car" and kept an eye on the music. Unfortunately, we had a little glitch, and the music cut out about mid-downtown Winnetka. (Johnny had nothing to do with this...) This apparently was oneof the results of overheating in the "sound car", which also crapped out, and had to be pushed out of the way by parade bystanders. In the Follies this sort of logistical upheaval is regarded as a plus, so we continued on the cow trail without our music, and most (probably no one) on the sidelines even knew the difference. Bill and Paddy Seymour made wonderful videos which can be viewed on youtube under (I believe) Village Follies Cow Parade. A very important contribution.

As is always the case, many hands and hearts turn out with a fun event. I must admit, I thought we might get the cover of the Winnetka Talk, but I guess the udders might have been too suggestive???

Clowning around were Steve Clingan, always a clown, and Ellie Schwimmer, our one and only professional clown.Marion and Larry carried the banner. I can't tell by looking at the youtube conerage who is driving the the Clingan car, but it could be Jeff. Jerry is driving the 'sound car', Johnny doing soound. Julie's in there, and Laura, as usual, was in charge.

Marching as cows were Joyce, Don Parker, Chris, Joanne Staten, Jo, Shari. Sheila, Lane, Briget. Steve Quick rotated between Coody House and Cows during the parade. Cowgirls were Emily M and Star. David Imply was useful and attractive in his role as "bicycle man keeping children from being stomped by cows" while riding his bicycle around our parade entry.

Shirl, Lisa, and Kolin brought up the rear, Clingans' car right behind.

I hape I mentioned everyone's name here but I certainly do apologize if I did not.

And icing on the cake, after all that fun. Gail and Jefff had us over for drinks, fabulous hamburgers, brats, and fixin's. Many stayed on and I suppose went to the fireworks later on.

It would appear we get a pretty good percentage of participation in the parade. Many of you have activities you have done for years on the fourth...Maybe some year you will join the Follies Fun on the Fourth!

See you at the writer's meetings.

Scribe
Follies Foibles