There’s nothing quite as indicative of summertime as a parade.
I remember many parades from my childhood, when they threw candy like there was no tomorrow. One year, my dad’s National Guard unit was in the parade, and he got to watch from the high seat of a camouflage truck as their gorilla-suited mascot walked alongside and made me scurry back from the street in terror.
I still love a parade.
If you have kids, or just want to feel like a kid again, these parade-themed books are tops.
“Hilda and the Bird Parade” by Luke Pearson (ages 7-10). This comic, featuring a blue-haired heroine named Hilda, has strange, magical and sometimes ferocious animals inspired by Scandinavian legend. Plus a mysterious Bird Parade.
“Red, White, and Boom!” by Lee Wardlaw (ages 3-7). Cut-paper illustrations show off how multicultural America celebrates the Fourth of July: parades, picnics, play and fireworks.
“Curious George: Parade Day” by Monica Perez (ages 3-5). Our favorite mischievous little monkey climbs to find the best location for watching the parade, and he may have to save the day.
“Olivia Leads a Parade” by Kama Einhorn (ages 3-7). Olivia and her friends create a backyard parade, with bicycles and batons leading the way.
Get in on the action by creating your own parade! Gather your friends and neighbors, decorate your bicycles and wagons with help from Pinterest, bring out the lawn chairs, and serve popsicles and lemonade. Spectators can join in the fun by announcing each participant, judging the decorations, taking pictures and blowing bubbles. Don’t forget the sunscreen!