small town celebration

yesterday was a day of celebration. the whole 3 day weekend was actually. i was wishing for another day off today to recover. no such luck.

we live in a small town. population at just over 5,000. on july 4, our population more than doubles due to the very large celebration that our town hosts each year. more than 10,000 come from miles around to watch the fireworks display. it's amazing! our pyro crew rocks!

before the fireworks begin, we also have a parade. everything from military, local government officials, community band, floats, horses and of course, the old cars. lawman and i were in an old car this year. not just any old car, but my dad's 1929 model a roadster. he was a collector, my dad. he had 4 antique vehicles; one for each of us kids. this one is mine.

dad loved parades. he was in his local rodeo parade for years. this car carried the grand marshal and dad was the chauffer. the year that dad was the grand marshal, i got to be the chauffer. since dad isn't with us any longer, lawman and i thought it would be fitting if we drive the car in our local parade as a tribute to dad. lawman has taken quite an affection to this old girl. he and a local have worked on her over the past 2-3 months to make sure she was ready to go this year. fortunately, she was and she ran like a charm.

dad, i saw you smiling down on us yesterday.