Today was the Fall Festival community activity and parade in Sylvania. Local businesses and folks who are fundraising or stumping for office take this opportunity to get out with the masses to influence, handshake or sell stuff. There is a parade where all the local groups, like the Masons, law enforcement agencies,the boy and girl scouts, mental health and health organizations as well as the marching bands from the high schools create a nice parade that snakes its way from the high school, down the main east/west street to the main north/south street, to go north for the two blocks that make up downtown. The band kids dress in costume for this parade, relieved of their uniforms to express themselves in whatever way their creativity and a modecum of dignity allow. The young one decided that the panda (photo left) was his choice, and from the sound of things when I dropped him off that the band room, it seemed that the other band members found it pretty amusing as well.
Folks come early to walk up and down the blocked off street, to socialize, buy pies and other goodies and listen to the entertainment the runs as noise in the background.
The band directors as well as the band members participate in the festivities. This year the NV director reflected the opinion of so many frustrated sports watchers, but strolling along next to the band dressed as a referee, striped shirt, dark glasses and a cane...lots of fun with that and positive reactions from the crowd.
The band director from the other high school favored the crowd with his version of an Arab sheik. He strolled along comfortably beside his band as they progressed down the street. 
At the center of all the activity was an announcer's stand. The entertainment for the day, which was a singer and my friend Eddie Boggs, who served as MC for the day's events. When I went to the stand to say "Hi!" he came over to me, gave he a hug and swept me toward the center of the intersection for a little dance. I spent some time talking with him, which is always fun; he always leaves you with such a wonderful warm feeling.All in all the day was very nice, the weather a definite contributing factor, and a small side job rounded out the day. That's about all for now...back later...much love to you...
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