The One Where Balloons Can't Fly but The Parade Must go On.

Actually it's not the first time we were in the parade where balloons did not fly. In 2013 we were grounded but not before we were driven to Eakins Oval in an attempt to bring the balloons in just for the TV. Unfortunately, after arriving at the Oval the decision was made to keep the balloons down. We got to watch the parade until it was time for our balloon to enter the parade and then walk around the oval to the Art Museum and onto a bus. The 2013 parade was it's own kind of fun (they all are) but not the kind I wanted to repeat. Last night as I listened to the winds howl realizing before any official announcement that we would not see the Grinch today, I had thoughts that this would be my last parade.

This year, the decision to ground the balloons was made early on. Balloon handlers were given the option of walking the entire route 😀 without a balloon or going home. We stayed. As did almost all of Team GRINCH.

It was wonderful to see our friends, Teresa and Mary who have been with us for quite of few of our 13 years in the parade. Julius came back for a second time (having first walked in the 2010 parade) and Mike and Fitz  were here for their first time as balloon handlers. They will have to come back to experience walking with a balloon. I was thrilled to see all of them.

The entire GRINCH team was enthusiastic and energetic. We made the most of a balloon-less parade.

We entered the parade behind the Portage High School Marching Band from Portage Indiana. Near Gary, Indiana they told us. We learned later that this was their first parade and I have to say they are naturals.

Our view of the Portage High School Marching Band

These kids (I'm old I can call them kids and I also do so with the utmost respect) really got into the spirit of the day. They smiled when some of us pretended to be band members and marched along side them. The tuba players spun around a few times while we were spinning our imaginary balloon. And most fun of all (for them and the crowd) from time to time the ENTIRE band broke formation to spread out and high five the crowd.

If I had to pick one highlight of the parade, it was the Pride of Portage Marching Band. 

So will this be our last? Who stops at number 13 anything? Right? 

We'll see. Registration for 2020 won't open until March. 😎

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! 

Keep Moving Keep Smiling

-Paula