It was great to see so many Wilsonians of all ages in the Village over the weekend. The parade was bigger and better than ever, even with most of the NPS equipment absent (the fire fighters were called out to a fire in Cedar Grove just 20 minutes before the start of the parade). The parade began with the NPS ambulance and Engine 52, followed by the Mounted Color Guard, and Back Country Rangers on horse back.

Wilsonia had over two dozen entries beginning with Larry “George Washington” Duba, and Karen “Uncle Sam” Tiffin. Following Chuck, Penny and Beulah Burgin carrying the Wilsonia banner was a nice assortment of Jeeps, trucks and SUVs decked out in their patriotic best and filled with happy, candy tossing Wilsonia families. Clowns, jugglers, bubble blowers, bikers and walkers, all festively dressed, added to the Village spirit. A new entry in the parade was the Wilsonia DAR group (who also hosted the evening potluck). The Gunning/Kirchman entry, a perennial favorite, wished all the spectators “Howdy from Wilsonia” and featured life-size cutouts of “The Duke” riding shotgun. Rick Kirchman rode his “electric steer” through the parade route warning those close by to “watch the horns”. Mike Faulkner of the NPS, led all those watching from the Visitor Center in singing the National Anthem. Thanks so much to all those who participated – next year a “Marching Kazoo Band”?