Fishing Michigan

In case the weather kept you away like a lot of folks,  the sprawling metropolis of Ida was the place to be last Saturday.  I would have posted this yesterday, but I suffered through another Lions game on Sunday.   Here are some of the pictures from the night’s festivities.

Just have to love this float.  A lot of work went into this one, great job.  If you weren’t there, the wings actually flapped.

This is just a good picture of a semi coming down Lewis Avenue.  Its the mainstreet in town if you aren’t familiar with town. Its also a nice shot of all the people who lined each side of the street.

What’s a parade in Ida without tractors?  Not much of a parade at all would be the right answer.  This just a sampling of the many tractors in the parade this year.  They come from around the county to participate and each is “dressed up” in its Christmas best.

Every parade has to have someone riding horseback.  Whether its the sheriff’s dept. at the county fair, or these two brave people.  From experience those hats will keep your head warm in just about any weather, including sub zero.

Even in dairy country, the cows do come home.  This float was from the Schafer family’s Dairy just outside of Ida. Lyle and family have been in the parade for many years. 

The fireman even get into the act.  Not sure which one this group belongs too, but several stations from the county wide area always attend.  Thanks for all the hard work!

The Grinch made an appearance too.  The State Police have been represented by the Christmas goblin for many years now, and I’m sure will keep him away from all the toys belonging to those in “Hooville”.  Going on memory here, think it was Hooville or Hooterville, something like that.

Here is nice van topper, with Santa in a Christmas Plane.  Its going right in front of the Ida Party Stop.  Chris and Neil were probably too busy working inside to see much of the parade.  Good people those two.  You can see one of the girls taking a break from RPM’S (formly Ida Tavern),  I’m sure the owners, Paul and Joanne Maddux don’t mind too much.  The band was pretty good out in the tent.

Who wouldn’t want to be Santa, when you have 8 Harley Davidsons pulling your sleigh.  This float was from the local ABATE chapter of Michigan.  They also participate in many charity runs (rides) each year.  Good folks, one and all.  Watch out for those Maybee members though!

Thats the end of the pictures. The flag waving was just too good to pass up.  Besides celebrating the Christmas season,  one thing you have to really enjoy about small town parades is the patriotism that can be seen everywhere.  Maybe next year, the wet stuff will be all white!