Making Memories at the Maple Leaf Parade

I have no idea how many people lined the parade route, but it had to be the biggest crowd I’ve seen since walking that parade the past 18 years! I really thought numbers would be down because it had rained the day before and rain was possible again during the parade. Needless to say, the sun won out and the crowd was really wonderful. It’s amazing how many people you can still identify even when you’re walking in the parade, throwing candy, all while workin’ the parade wave. Believe it or not there are some people I only see at the Mapleleaf parade. One young man I first met some years ago when he was about 12 years old. Each year we take our picture together and he gives me a pretzel necklace. I saw him through the years, he graduated from high school, then college. Two years ago he showed up with his wife and this year they showed up with their new baby! It’s so much fun seeing these people each year. So get ready for next year’s parade everybody… it’ll be the 50th Oktoberfest Celebration!