In case you're curious, Delano has an ambassador program that helps represent Delano to the surrounding community, while also volunteering our time within the community. It's a pretty cool program, which I can say since I was Delano Princess 2005-2006 (yes, I still have my banner and crown). And our theme has always been the 4th of July. So you might say I have a lot of deep connections running through my veins for this particular day.
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| So young, so regal |
The Dazzling Gleam of Fireworks
One of my favorite parts about our town celebration is the fireworks. I've seen a lot of them throughout the country. Boston (north shore area), Minneapolis, St. Paul, Plymouth, Stillwater, New York City, etc. and none have compared to Delano's fireworks. Maybe it's because I remember watching the fireworks from my house through the tree branches of our tall elms or hurrying with our friends from the carnival to get a good spot on the hill where they shoot them off. But every time I've found myself under the glow of the fireworks as they burst through the air, I find myself content, taking in all the sights and sounds and smells (there is a strong firework smell when you're less than a football field away from the designated shooting off area) of the 30 minute event.
In recent years, they've made it more of a pyrotechnic event, with fire and fireworks in rhythm with pop songs that everyone already knows. I'm always proud of the display they put on, and every friend I have brought to the show has enjoyed it. Seriously people, check it out. Here's a link if you need it.
Parades, Parades and More Parades
Let me tell you. I've been in my fair share of parades. I'm not talking like 3 or 4, I'm talking like in the 50's. Maybe I'm overshooting that, but that's what it feels like. In the year of your "reign," you attend all your neighboring town festivals (Rockford River Days, Jesse James Days, Big Lake Spud Fest, Hopkins Raspberry Festival) which usually involves a parade. Some are pretty cool while others are long and tedious and you feel burnt out before the parade begins. It's hot and always feels like it manages to be humid, plus you are wearing a full-length dress, high heels and gloves. But because of the insanity of it all, I've really grown to appreciate all that goes in to a parade. Plus, I'm pretty sure I like it better on the sidelines — there's candy there.
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| Another Delano parade in the books! |
The Zipper, the Scrambler, and Bingo
The carnival is where it's at when you're a teenager. With a dozen or so rides, sugary food flowing from every crevice of the carnival, and a million different games to play, it's the event you look forward to as you hit mid-summer break.
Every year my friends and I would go and do the same things: Ride the zipper until we're so dizzy we need to stop, eat some mini donuts and drink the biggest cup of lemonade you've ever seen, ride more rides, and hit up the fireworks. It's also the time you'd finally see all the kids from school that you hadn't seen since that last bell rang in June. You'd swoon with your friends as the cute boys walked by and gossiped about how everyone looked. It was quite the affair.
These days, it always feels a little bizarre getting back into the small town life. Not that I've become a city person by any means, but it makes you feel like you've stepped right back into high school – and I don't know if that's a good or bad thing. I don't typically go to the carnival anymore; the zipper makes me feel too sick too fast and I don't desire the greasy foods as much as I once did. I feel more drawn to the bingo tables and the baseball game than I do anything else. Clearly I'm a grownup. But the carnival still holds a special place in my heart as I walk through and see all the kids doing all the things I used to do.
The 33rd Annual 5k Race
This year I plan to run the Delano 5k before the parade begins. It's funny that it's basically been a thing my whole life, and I'm now just running it. Actually, I remember vividly seeing people run and thinking (or saying out loud) "Why on earth would anyone do this?!" Yet here I am. I'm hoping for mild temps in the morning, and a nice little breeze to make it extra sweet. I think my biggest desire to run this race comes from me moving to Scotland. I want to soak up everything Delano has to offer me since I won't be back for potentially a long time. I want to eat the funnel cakes, ride the zipper, see the fireworks, and yes, run the race just to have a happy memory of it all.
So I hope you all have a wonderful 4th! I hope this year you decide to hit up a carnival or catch an amazing fireworks show or even run a race if there is one nearby. Enjoy the sounds and the sights, take it all in!
Always,
A
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