Parade

I've always been able to appreciate a good parade. My dad often marched in our local town parade as an elected town official and as a veteran and we always went out to cheer for him, see the marching bands, and wave flags.

In my opinion, the idea of what settles for a good parade was corrupted. Today, in most towns that still host a parade, you'd probably see the crappy 5th grade music class trying to play "Eye Of The Tiger" and marching alongside every little leaguer and kickball team in town. Perhaps dwindling budgets for these types of events, and our acceptance of celebrating mediocrity contributed to this.

Not down here. The local Fourth Of July parade that I took Jack to was awesome. It had three professional marching bands, giant military vehicles, fire trucks, clowns throwing candy to the kids and a local dentist tossing tooth brushes (with his practice's name) right after. The local 4H club riding team was well represented, the Shriners had a banjo and kazoo band, and because the rodeo was in town, there were REAL cowboys (and cowgirls).

Hope you enjoy the photos.

Southern or Western?

I've been asked, by a few of the blog's more ardent followers, to provide a bit more commentary. Something that gives the readers, in addition to the sometimes funny photos, more of a feel for my opinion of our experience in the south.

I've attached a few photos of our recent trip to a few Rodeos. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons these do not include photos of the Rodeo Dance. The photos, I believe will surprise some of you who view Arkansas as more of a "southern" state than a "western" state.

Arkansas, in my opinion, struggles a bit with its identity. Is it a "southern" state? Most here would say yes. After all, it was a member of the Confederacy. Granted, it came into that collection of "slave states" as a part of the Missouri Compromise (the offsetting "free state" was Michigan).

The town square in Bentonville is dominated by a large statue commemorating the sacrifices of confederate soldiers. It seems every other guy has a "swamp beard", and the state flag is essentially the "Rebel Flag" turned on its axis. Some of you kids may remember the TV show Dukes Of Hazzard where the roof of the car named "The General Lee" was adorned with the Reb flag. Down here they eat catfish and crawdads, drink sweet tea and listen to country music (rather than the other kind - western music).

A competing segment of the population see the state as more of a "western" state. The gun culture is well developed, many people have "hobby" cattle farms, and horses are often seen grazing in the fields all around us. This group celebrates its identity outwardly by hosting several of the most popular rodeos in the country. Fort Smith, about 45 minutes south of us, hosts "Old Fort Days" which is a major stop along the P.B.R. (Professional Bull Riders) tour. Springdale, just a few minutes north of us hosts the number one outdoor rodeo in the country (as rated by P.B.R.).

I highly recommend the rodeo. It's a family event which is kicked off with God Bless America AND the Pledge of Allegiance. You'll find buckles & boots, Bud in a can, cotton candy, pretty girls and no fights in the stands. All good stuff.

Enjoy.