The Killer Characters' Cozy Up to Summer book giveaway continues! Leave a comment below for a chance to win a signed copy of any Food Lovers' Village Mystery--reader's choice!
I love a good parade.
But the best parades of all are small-town parades, and Jewel Bay’s is quite possibly the best.
My favorite part is the little dancers and gymnasts. It can’t be easy, dancing to a beat on a boombox one of the parents is carrying, or doing handstands and pirouettes on the hot asphalt while wearing a tutu with your hair up – the heat can undo them -- but they are so cute. One year the organizers goofed and let the Back Country Horsemen ride in front of them. I was so mad I could have screamed.
The classic cars and trucks are always popular. Seems like every Camaro owner in the county wants to show off, but it’s the really old rigs I enjoy – the 1950 turquoise Ford Thunderbird, the pink Chevy, the Model A, the 1924 Rolls Royce. Even some of the old farm trucks clean up good!
For several years, a darling boy dressed as Super Man and rode through town – it’s only three blocks – strapped to the front of his grandparents’ golf cart, fists clenched, arms in the air. I bet his arms were tired by the time the parade reached the park, where they serve all the kids ice cream. People were a little sad to see him grow up and grow out of the part.
There are bagpipers, clowns, and mountain men, and occasionally llamas. The Playhouse kids, all young actors, climb up in a big old farm truck and sing show tunes.
I’m not crazy about election years and all the campaigners. Yes, it’s a great opportunity to see and be seen, and we are celebrating our independence, and free and fair elections are a huge part of our American heritage. But those little tiny paper flags are a bear to sweep up afterwards.
And bringing up the rear is the Caldwell’s big antique fire truck, loaded with Lodge guests. Schedule your family reunion at Jewel Bay’s dude ranch, and you might end up riding in the parade! Keith Caldwell loves pulling the cord to ring the old horn, but what everyone waits for is the water hose, cooling us off!
Wishing you a safe and happy holiday!
What Fourth of July celebrations do you have on tap?
Leave a comment below for a chance to win a signed copy of any Food Lovers' Village Mystery--reader's choice! (US and Canadian addresses only; winner will be chosen Thursday, June 29.)
Erin Murphy, manager of Murphy’s Mercantile (aka the Merc), is tuning up for Jewel Bay’s annual Jazz Festival. Between keeping the Merc’s shelves stocked with Montana’s tastiest local fare and hosting the festival’s kick-off concert, Erin has her hands full.
Discord erupts when jazz guitarist Gerry Martin is found dead on the rocks above the Jewel River. The one-time international sensation had fallen out of sync with festival organizers, students, and performers. Was his death an accident?or did someone even the score?
Despite the warning signs to not get involved, Erin investigates. And when the killer attacks, she orchestrates her efforts into one last crescendo, hoping to avoid a deadly finale.
Leslie Budewitz is the author of the Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries and the Spice Shop Mysteries—and the first author to win Agatha Awards for both fiction and nonfiction. The past president of Sisters in Crime, she lives in northwest Montana with her husband, a musician and doctor of natural medicine, and their cat, an avid bird-watcher.
Swing by my website and join the mailing list for my seasonal newsletter. And join me on Facebook where I announce lots of giveaways from my cozy writer friends.
(Parade photos from the Bigfork Chamber of Commerce.)
Posts
I have only been to one parade. It was crowded and hot, but the floats were interesting. I hope to make it to another one eventually! [email protected]
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to a parade in years but they are such fun. Have a happy and safe 4th of July everyone.
ReplyDeletekpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
Our daughter and her family are coming for the weekend. We will attend at 4th of July party at friends' house. dbahn(at)iw(dot)net
ReplyDeleteI live in the Land of 10000 lakes, so seeing nearby fireworks over a body of water is a must! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteJHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
Fireworks are the culmination of a great day spent wit the family. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeletewe are going to my parent's house for the week. we plan to fish, have a cookout and we can see fireworks from their driveway!
ReplyDeleteNo parade this year. We'll probably grill with our neighbors. Dmskrug3(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteHa -- I misread this as grilling your neighbors, an entirely different kind of fireworks!
DeleteI love parades also and I think that I will love this book. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Parades are wonderful. Especially small town parades which I have experienced. Thanks. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI love parades! Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeletemaceoindo(at)yahoo(dot)com
Watching the 4th fireworks in the park.
ReplyDeleteBut I've gotten old and creaky and
dislike being in big crowds so I
sit in my recliner and watch
the fireworks that go over the trees
from the park. Just as much fun and
a lot easier. Don't have any parades
in July - those are for homecoming in
September and in December for Santa to
arrive in town.
thanks.
txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com.
We will have a swim day and BBQ and then watch the fireworks [email protected]
ReplyDeleteLove seeing all your plans! Mine? I'll head over to see my mother Fri & Sat, sign books in Helena on Sat, and come home to hang out with Mr. Right and Mr. Kitten. Lots of great food planned, and yes, a parade!
ReplyDeleteNo special plans for the holiday. I live in a small town which has a four day homecoming celebration which includes a parade similar to the one here.
ReplyDeleteLove how small towns celebrate the kids and sports, and make homecoming a town-wide event!
Delete