I LOVE A PARADE!

... especially the kind of parade that evokes the image of 'Americana'! Every year on the second weekend of September, the city of Marion, Iowa hosts a series of events as part of the Swamp Fox Festival. The festival includes a variety of activities with music, food, a craft show, a 5K run/walk, golfing, picnicking and a parade!
The Swamp Fox Festival draws it's name from Marion's namesake, Revolutionary War hero, Francis Marion. I don't know how long the festival has been in existence but what I do know is the parade meets all the expectations of parade-goers!
There is a stream of wacky vehicles, clowns, a shower of candy being tossed from parade participants, a marching band, political candidates passing out leaflets and the Shriner's Foot Patrol!
We attended the parade this year to watch my 77 year old mother-in-law ride her bike, along with others from the Marion Physical Therapy office. Weather permitting, she rides her bicycle several miles a day so riding the length of the parade route was a piece of cake for her and her side-kick, Pansi. Pansi is her 2 year old Yorkie that sits in the front basket and watches the world go by her.
The weather was perfect for the parade. We had a great time and here are the pictures to prove it!