July 17 Kewaunee “Hugh Parade”

Noon was the scheduled time for the “Hugh Parade” (their term not mine) to begin and the streets of downtown Kewaunee was lined with an excited audience. They were two and three deep on the shady side of the street and sparse on the sunny side as the temperature was already in excess of 90 degrees with oppressive humidity to boot.

We chose the shady side but the only place to sit was on some planter ledges after I attempted to clear them of accumulated spider webs and crumbling paint (Gary had insisted we did not need our chairs for this small parade event).

Finally the color guard proceeded down the hill and past our shady vantage point. They were followed by a VFW color guard and drill team complete with rifles and gun salutes. It was impressive and very inspirational.

Next came the emergency vehicles en masse. They must have pulled them in from all the surrounding areas as there were 25 or more. With their full lights, sirens and much loud fanfare, I was not disappointed when they turned off the route a half block from our vantage. It saved our ears and also put them in a position to respond to calls if needed during the course of the parade.

As the parade proceeded, we were entertained by boy scouts, several small local dance groups, paint ball clubs, local political candidates, restored cars, restored tractors, military vehicles, balloon vendors, clowns, church groups, a little of everything but with a very small town “flair”. The parade included two “marching bands” riding on large flatbed trailers. Perhaps experience has shown that playing and marching in that heat is not a good combination.

Final group in the parade was the favorite of everyone. They were the “South Shore Drill Team” from intercity Chicago. The group was about 100 in number, all with an apparent love of dance and rhythm. Boys and girls alike were dressed in matching pink outfits. They had three sections with different routines and props. First the young men doing a “jive” type dance and then girls with a combination march/dance routine, followed by girls twirling long poles with colorful flags. It was awesome and they took their time stopping each group in front of us to perform. It was obvious they do lots of practice to be that good. We loved it!