We went to Lawrence today to see the Jayhawk parade – the victory triumph of the conquering heroes!
We set out for "Mass," the main drag through downtown Lawrence, about 2pm. The parade was starting at 3pm and we wanted a good spot along the street. We walked over a mile with the boys in tow and then spent almost 90 minutes waiting in anticipation on the corner of 15th and Mass.
I prepared the older three boys, telling them about the floats and the marching bands, about candy throwing and not running out into the street, about fire trucks and veterans groups and mascots in costume. Tens of thousands of people filled the streets.
About 3:40 the parade finally came into view. A two police cars rolled by and a color guard followed and then the first marching band came into view. This is where it went downhill.
When the band reached 15th street, they turned off Mass and quit playing. They stopped and put their instruments down. Oh no! Why are they quitting? What about us?!
Then a line of convertibles came down the street carrying the team and coaches, which was really cool to see the players up close.
The End.
Seriously. It was 3:47 and that was it. After the last car carried Russell Robinson and the NCAA trophy past where we were standing. The parade was over. No candy, no more bands. No creepy clowns or Shriners in little cars. No jayhawk mascots in costume and not one single float. You've got to be kidding! Our high school pep club organized better parades for homecoming. Talk about a let down.
No comments:
Post a Comment