Jul 5, 2009

Arlington 4th of July Parade - Update

Update: And we won first place in the Novice category! Yay! Ok so novice doesn't sound all that great but it was our first time and the only category we fit. :) Check out the winners list in the Star Telegram.

The Arlington Tea Party had a float in the 4th of July Parade. This is the first time I have participated in something like this. Now I want to do it every year. LOL! It was lots of fun and hard work.

The parade theme was monuments and memorials and our theme was Liberty. We constructed a replica of the Liberty Bell and I have to admit we were pretty pleased with the result. It was paper mache but when we were finished, it looked like metal. The pictures don't quite do it justice.

We had kids dressed in colonial outfits riding and waving flags and two people who walked in front of the float carrying American flags. It was a very HOT day but lots of fun.

Sorry for so many pictures. :)

Liberty Bell construction after the first few coats of paint.


Kellie, Janice, and Richard. Richard is such a kook. He posed like that on purpose.



We used foam letters for the writing on the bell, then painted it, black-washed it, bronze-washed it, and sealed it.






Kellie, Lukas, Richard



Kellie, Richard's son, me.


The float.


One of the kids has arrived.



We displayed copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.



Our banner. Designed by yours truely. :)



Besty Ross and a colonial soldier. He isn't in full costume yet. Those costumes were pretty hot.


Here's our little colonial crew. Aren't they cute?


We had quite a wait before the floats left the lot so the boys made the best of it.



Betsy Ross.






Getting ready to head out.









This kid next to me really got into character during the parade. He kept yelling out "Freedom for America"! He got one of the other boys doing the same.


We were #144. The first floats were returning to the lot before we headed out.


























Our flag carriers Angela and her husband Dayman. Their two boys are riding on the float.

Some of the other floats.


Click on this for a close up of the banner on the fire truck. This was one of my favs.


Check out the faces in this Mt Rushmore.


I hope you enjoyed the parade!



Edie

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind ~ Luke 10:27

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a terrific float! The job you all did on the bell is amazing! It's beautiful! Looks like you all had fun!

Andrea said...

"Let Freedome Ring"....awesome!!

Stop by arise 2 write...U, my special friend have been tagged!
Blessings and prayers, andrea

Greg C said...

Awesome photos Edie. I think you could have taken more. I loaded up on photos myself today. I loved the float and the saying on that poster was so true. There was a Tea Party here too on Saturday but I was working at the market so I couldn't go.

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

I most certainly did enjoy the parade. I'd love to be somewhere on the 4th where they do it up big like this.

B His Girl said...

I know why you won...awesome bell. Let freedom ring. Great job and message. The kids add the perfect touch. B

Leaon Mary said...

WHOOOhOOoooOooOooOoo!
GIRL that is awesome! I think that bell ROCKS! It looks sooo real I can't believe it! You LOOK SMASHING too darrrling! AND all the kidlets, I loved Betsy Ross! haaa
I enjoyed your pics so much. Felt like I got to go for real.
I'm thrilled for you. I know you must have all worked so hard!
LET FREEDOM RING!
Holykisses,
Lea

Warren Baldwin said...

Never too many pictures when it is something like this! I wasn't near a tea party, but some in my family attended in other places. We need something to remind us of our old-fashioned, American roots. Thanks!

From the Heart said...

What a great idea. You all did a wonderful work of art with your float. Enjoyed all the pictures.
Luv u,:)
AliceE.

Rebecca Ingram Powell said...

Hey Edie! It was pouring down rain here almost all day on the 4th and I didn't get out to see any parades--however, your pics make me feel like I got to be a part of yours! Thanks!

Melanie said...

Wow! The Liberty Bell looks fabulous!!!
Melanie@Bella~Mella

My ADHD Me said...

I cannot get over the talent you have. yes, I know others helped but I also have seen your work and am sure you had a huge part in it. That bell was AWESOME!!!! Your float was awesome. And you're right, the kids were adorable.

I loved the pics too. We didn't do much here. JM (18 year old) was working so "Alberquando" and I had our own little celebration and spent about 45 min setting off fireworks. It was the first year I let him light them so he loved it. Of course I had to bite my tongue to keep from yelling out "Be Careful" after 3,651 times.

My kids still laugh at me because I always point out the fire engines going down the road...like a little kid myself when it comes to that.

BTW, I couldn't help but notice how great you looked in the pictures! What is your secret.....I know, I know, natural beauty. You just can't hide it.

Have missed you, my friend. Hope to get by my email account tonight...but then, you've heard that before.

take care!!!!!

Beverlydru said...

This thrills me on a lot of levels and for many reasons. First, that you are praying as hard as you're working. God hears. God answers.
Second, such excellence honors the Lord. I could go on and on but then it would be a post. You are a blessing and I've missed you!! I think we've all been living life to the fullest and blogging a little as we go. Such are the seasons of our lives. Love you, friend!

Wendy said...

I haven't been to a Fourth of July parade in years. Thanks for taking me along! Loved your banner and your float.
Thanks for the fun!

Kathryn said...

Edie, thanks so much for the update. The float was just beautiful ... and so wonderfully creative and meaningful. Loved the photos, too; I felt as if I was there! :-)

Chel's Leaving a Legacy said...

Wow, Edie, that's AWESOME! You did a fantastic job! I showed my boys, and Brown Eyes (9 yr old) asked, "Is that the REAL Liberty Bell?" ha ha

That looked like it was a ball. Way to go!