The Shriners are a wonderful association. They do many good works, and IÕve often been happy to contribute during their fund drive. I know that their little cars are real crowd-pleasers in most parades. However, the Farmers Day parade is surely the exception.
Rule No. 1 of the Farmers Day celebration has always been, ÒOnly hayburners are allowed in the parade.Ó As someone whoÕs watched it since childhood for the sheer spectacle of hundreds of horses and ponies of all shapes and sizes Ñ often accompanied by the odd goats or cows Ñ the site of those little cars last year was a very unpleasant shock. At first I thought there must have been some mistake, but there they definitely were.
Over the last 30 years IÕve ridden or driven (a horse cart) in the Farmers Day parade as often as possible. This festival has really taken off, and people come from all over to see it. The wonderful thing is that no matter how big it gets, the general feel is still a time out of time, a look back.
All the music and assorted craft and food booths do not detract from the feeling of revisiting an older, simpler time. One of the main reasons I went to the street festivals but not the parade this year was the dread that the Shriners would be in it again. And, though I hate to say it, IÕm glad I didnÕt go. ThereÕs only a very fine line between those little cars and some parade floats.
DonÕt let the Farmers Day parade become just like any other. Its very uniqueness has always been the key to its charm.
Randy A. Jackson
Eastwood
