Today was the 56th Annual Jaycees Parade in my little hometown. So, the Lovely Christine and I got up early to go photograph the parade.
Before we get to the pictures, let me just say this. Worst. Parade. Ever. Whoever was in charge of organizing this year's travesty should be put in a bamboo cage a poked with sharp sticks. There were, at times, up to two city blocks of space between the participants. So some little group of cub scouts would march by, then we'd have to stand around for 20 minutes until the local Polish-American Social Club marched by. What should've been a 1 hour parade had gone on for two hours, with no end in site, when we decided to leave, and go about the other business that was on the day's schedule. Still a couple of things caught my eye during the parade.
Prior to the start of the parade, one of the city motorcycle cops was giving away photo opes to kids. This cute little guy just thought the officer and his BMW bike was the cat's pajamas.
As part of the auxiliary of the Sherrif's Department, we have the Escondido Mounted Patrol. Essentially, it's a bunch of retired people with six-shooters and horses, who volunteer to work with the sherrif's department, kind of like a geriatric posse.
This is the mayor of Escondido, Lori Holt Pfeiler (R).
This is a band member from a local high school. The band is known as the Trojan Brigade (Insert obligatory condom joke here). Nice hats. I wasn't previously aware that ancient Troy utilized a highland tartan as part of their regalia.
The local firefighters also took part, of course. Now, it's not unusual to see a fireman or cop sporting some manly facial hair. You can, however, have too much of a good thing.
The Knights of Columbus marched in full regalia of 18th century admirals' hats and high-collared tuxedos. Note the impressive decorations on this brave knight. I believe the decorations, in order of precedence, are The Lutheran-Taunting Campaign Medal, the Distinguished Anti-Protestant Service Medal, and the Order of Saint Pooky.
I may be wrong about that, though.
Hmmm. Note to hollywood producers: No matter what the actor is wearing, simply add a bedsheet and duct tape and, Presto! Instant ancient middle east costume! See, you really can do practically anything with duct tape.
Obviously, this young fellow hasn't fully grasped the art of horse riding. I mean, the entire point of riding a horse is so that you can sit down while traveling.
Finally, it just isn't a parade if there's no participation by fezzed Shriners in tiny automobiles. Oh, and remember, Shriners are high-level freemasons. Freemasons, of course, are the secret society that actually runs every portion of our government and economy. Behold, our benevolent overlords! Oh, sure, they don't look like the secret elite of our country, but, that just shows how fiendishly clever they truly are.
So, now you know how my little town kicked off the spirit of the season this year.
