The Holiday Horse Parade
The traditions of Small Town America
By Bob Robinson
Hey, folks… yeah, I know. The parade is ancient history. We already
know that Hometown Magazine has named Greenville as Ohio’s Best
Hometown for 2012. We already know that Mayor Mike Bowers accepted – on
behalf of the people of Greenville – all kinds of commendations from
the Commissioners Office and the Ohio Statehouse to Washington, D.C.
And if you were paying attention, we already know that this year’s Horse Parade, with 64 entries, was the biggest one so far.
But for those who missed some of the visual highlights, they are offered below for your viewing pleasure.
Best hometown? I think most of us already knew it. I love Greenville,
Darke County and our surrounding communities. We have many of the big
city benefits (and, unfortunately, some of the problems) in a
traditional rural setting.
If we want to “lose” the concrete for a day, we need only walk to the
park or take a drive into the country. If we are looking for something
to do, there are enough events and activities within the county lines –
summer and winter – to make your head spin.
Been to the Garst Museum, Shawnee Prairie or Bears Mill lately? Awesome! Try to match that in another small town.
However, I think the one event that has blossomed over the past eight
years into one of – if not “the” – biggest single events of the year,
it’s the Downtown Greenville Holiday Horse Parade.
It was already crowded an hour before the parade was to begin. If you
waited until the last minute to drive, you had to park three or four
blocks – or more - away. By parade time, people were lined up – two and
three deep – on both sides of the street as far as the eye could see.
To someone like me who has thirsted for this lifestyle throughout most
of his adult life, it was pure “pleasure” in the first degree.
I was 57 years old when I saw my first parade outside of the movies or
television… The New Madison Independence Day Parade in 2002. Since
then, the only parades I’ve missed in any of our communities have been
by accident or a schedule conflict.
I’m in awe of them, much as children are when they sit on the curb
watching the efforts of so many volunteers, organizations and
businesses to entertain them.
Maybe that’s why I pay so much attention to their excitement in
anticipation of, or where possible, reaction to the passing entries.
How can they learn the values that made America great unless we teach
them? And experience is by far the greatest teacher. One of those
values is pride in country and community.
County News Online congratulates Greenville on its honor this year, and
to every individual, group and community that takes the time and effort
to keep the traditions and beauty of Small Town America alive.
Our children need it.
This crusty old man needs it.
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