Suddenly a Sartell Summer

Being a family on the lamb means just one thing...little attachment to town, community or latitudinal coordinates.  This summer, knowing our move has more permanency than a snow fence, we've decided to take it all in!

On Saturday we were pleasantly surprised that our new home is just blocks from the famous Sartell Summerfest festivities.  (Insert cheering from people who refuse to drive/park at crowded events.)  I couldn't help myself from waking up before dawn, biking to a garage sale or two, and packing the stroller with parade essentials.  Among the gear was our under-used picnic blanket, three bottles of water and a plastic bag (for the candy of course).

Off we went, a bit early I admit, but what mother doesn't wish to procure the perfect curbside location for her toddler to witness Minnesota tradition?  I like to think other places in the world experience parades, but in Minnesota they're special; limited amount of decent weather in which to spectate them, and attending a parade could give you your first sunburn of the year.  Sunburn equals a bit of a swagger for the normally ghost-like complected.

What a parade it turned out to be!  I had no idea that such a small river town could produce 77 floats and nearly two hours of candy throwing action.  Axel was digging it.  Like every parade goer, Axel had to decide for himself which floats were worthy of a wave, a clap or an ear cover.

Police and Fire = definite wave
Flags = a darling hand over heart
Go-Carts and Old Cars = tight ear cover
Anything Throwing Candy = no time for anything but running and grabbing

With a parade under our belts by noon, we headed south to the old homeland for one swimming session, one grad party and several cupcakes.  One sleepy and overstimulated kid met once again with the driveway around nine, only to stroll up to the fireworks which I think he would have slept through had it not been for the "cowboy cover band" which he found quite loud, but worth the trip to the front of the stage.  (Picture a jaw hanging open and a the only dance move he could muster, a head bob).

Whew, a day that started and ended with Sartell, with community and with becoming involved.