The parade is over, and it was a wonderful success. I am looking back on it through the haze of completion and adrenaline letdown. The kids were adorable, the adults were marvelously helpful, and we had older children from the school playing bells behind us which was awesome and beautiful. The weather was lovely, the crowds were appreciative, and it’s all over. A great event!
That being said…….
Oy.
I went to school a little before noon because I was just sitting around dreading this day. That’s how I am with most big events – good or bad. I say the countdown out loud. “In nine hours this will all be over.” “In seven hours this will all be over.” I am countdowning my life away.
Anyway, Lloyd went along so he could help lift things through the door. The whole thing was disassembled and reassembled. The star was attached, electrical stuff hooked up, handles attached, lettering stapled to the front and back (the parade theme was ‘Home for the Holidays), and around 2 o’clock it was mostly done and we took it for a test spin in the parking lot.
It was really hard to push.
We looked at each other and as we started to comment about it, we heard a weird, grinding/squeaking noise. We checked under the float and ONE OF THOSE STUPID BRAND-NEW WHEELS WAS BROKEN.
Broken! Like, the welding of the axle to the bracket snapped! That wheel was wobbling and irreparable! Lloyd sped off immediately to Lincoln to buy new, not cheap-from-Harbor Freight wheels while I putzed around and got the rest of everything ready. We again owe Sam a big debt of gratitude for helping us jack up the float and switch out the wheels. Oh, did I mention we hit 76 degrees today? I was sweating it in all kinds of ways.
But there are blessings. We tested it early – what if we had waited until it was time to actually get the float to its spot? Sam was around to help. Lloyd is a crazy efficient driver and took care of the problem like a boss.
All’s well that ends well. Happy Advent!
Brad says
Seventy-six degrees! You did have awesome weather for a parade. I’m glad everything worked out.
Lauren's dad says
Congratulations on every aspect!
Kristi says
Was that an accordion playing “Joy to the World”?
Lauren says
Why, yes it was!