The One With the Beverly Parade

 

 

 

Once again, the annual Beverly Parade descended upon us. This time, only one of our kiddoes was going to be in it. Kiff was taking to the streets to do the honor. He was wearing a classic, and new, ugly sweater for the occasion.

 The parade was as lovely as ever, though the weather was a bit miserable. It was cold and rainy, which dampened the moon. However, the Falcons band did a stand out job as they performed holiday hits as they marched down the street,

 We talked to a neat lady who was connected with the Beverly marching band. She even recommended local bands that Kiff could join if he wanted to be part of a student orchestra.

Bri was impressed that Kiff was in the middle of the front line. According to her, they only put people who can help keep time in that spot. Kudos to him.

It was a great parade. We then went to Tony C's to get lunch and then I took Bri back to UMass. Overall, it was a great day! 

The One With The North End Parade

 

 

Today, our kids - along with the Danvers High School Marching Band - were in the 50th annual North End Christmas Parade. And, boy, was it a show.

First, we should mention that Emmie and I decided to chaperone our first parade. It was quite an adventure. Little did we know it would be about 20°F. But, that was no worry. It was a blast. We even took the bus in with the students. I was the wagon wheeler (it reminded me of Time for Timer).

However, the real treat was the parade itself. It was amazing Bri was in color guard as usual and Kiff was playing trumpet. The entire band was dressed up in their Christmas ugliest - with a plethora of ugly sweaters (actually, most were rather snazzy).

The parade itself featured all sorts of attractions - mascots like Blaze the Bruin, Elmo, Mickey Mouse, a Minion (Kiff got a picture with one with the trumpet section) and more. It was amazing! Santa also arrived by helicopter, which was pretty cool. Wally and Tessie from the Red Sox were behind us...awesome.

The parade itself wove through the streets of the North End, ebbing all around and actually recrossing a few spots (including twice by Mike's Pastry - yum). It was long - and chilly - but a spectacular to watch (and to be a part of for the first time). 

This was a quaint addition to the Christmas festivities calendar, but one we will hopefully get to do again!.