An AC in A2 Clan Independence Day in Michigan

[AC in A2......Aaron 693]

I know a couple people have shown small town parades here before and I thought I would show our town's parade.

 

We went to the parade on Independence Day prior to heading out of town for a couple days.  We will get to more about the out of town trip in a bit, but first small-town Americana:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There was a DJ from a local country station playing music in front of the church in the last pic.  She was explaining about other things that would be happening today including a water ski show and the Kiwanis Chicken Broil.  It is hard to tell from the pics, but the street was crowded with people.  Most were on our side of the road because there was more shade. If I would have taken pics up and down the street you would have seen the big crowds.  It renewed my faith in the American people a bit.

 

 

 

 

 

You can't see this very well, but nothing says Americana like a guy wearing a cap that says Explicit Content, while rapping so everyone can hear, while also riding a beachcomber.  The beachcomber is ruining your street cred bro.

 

 

 

 

 

The parade organizer on his golf cart:

 

 

 

The Flag leads the parade:

 

 

You'll notice that DS has removed his hat.  Yup.  I have taught him well.  He and DD also stand for the anthem and put their hand over their heart......even in the living room before a sporting event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The lady in black had bite mark tattoos all over her body....including the fronts of both arms, above both breasts, on her face, etc.  She and everyone she was with, save the little children, would have fit in well at the Ironhorse.  (Note:  If you are unfamiliar with the Ironhorse, you are soooooo missing out.  You can read my Amish TR if you want to know)

 

I was just wondering why?

 

Why do that to your body?

 

Bite marks?

 

Is this a "True Blood" or "Twilight" thing?

 

I have not seen either of those but I know they both have a lot of biting.

 

I have nothing against the woman.  She was in fact at the Independence Day Parade and I like patriotic people.

 

I just didn't get the tattoos.

 

Then again, they are not mine or anyone's who live in my home, so I guess I don't need to get them.

 

Anyway, back to the parade:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, we will actually see some Iron Horses.

[CKCK 45]

 

 

There was a DJ from a local country station playing music in front of the church in the last pic.  She was explaining about other things that would be happening today including a water ski show and the Kiwanis Chicken Broil.  It is hard to tell from the pics, but the street was crowded with people.  Most were on our side of the road because there was more shade. If I would have taken pics up and down the street you would have seen the big crowds.  It renewed my faith in the American people a bit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm looking forward to this water ski show in a parade.  Was that the boat that was supposed to be pulling these skiers down the street?

 

Can't wait.

[Big Kahuna aka John 71]

I'm in....    Our parade was Thursday...   High School Band, 3 convertibles with veterans, and four fire trucks, one ambulance, led by a police car.  Total time to pass our house  2 minutes.   But it does stop at the veteran's memorial  which is 5 houses past our home and in between the last house and a local church.  Welcome to really small town America.

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

Thanks for sharing this, Aaron!  I grew up in a small town that always had a 4th of July parade.  In fact all through high school, me and the other band geeks all marched in it.

 

Good times!!

 

You can't see this very well, but nothing says Americana like a guy wearing a cap that says Explicit Content, while rapping so everyone can hear, while also riding a beachcomber.  The beachcomber is ruining your street cred bro.

 

 

:rofl2:

 

 

 

You'll notice that DS has removed his hat.  Yup.  I have taught him well.  He and DD also stand for the anthem and put their hand over their heart......even in the living room before a sporting event.

 

:heartsmiley:

 

Bite mark tattoos??

 

I got nuthin'...

[Nicki aka Rebelstand 272]

I am in.

[Beckers 1,136]

I'm in but I guess I should cover up my bite mark tats...

[AC in A2......Aaron 693]

I'm in but I guess I should cover up my bite mark tats...

I think youre kidding but if you have them they must be more strategically placed.

[DaveInTN 3,247]

Nice pics.  We just got back home from our neighborhood's parade (postponed for rain from Thursday).  I'll post some pics later to FB.  Looking forward to more, Aaron. 

[blm2003 2]

 

 

 

 

Next, we will actually see some Iron Horses.

 

 

Thanks for sharing, enjoying your pictures very much! I have had the honor of being in the Plymouth, MA July 4 parade several times and they always have a huge turnout there. It is nice to see people come together and share some Patriotism. 

 

Nice to see "Rolling Thunder" represented at the parade. They do so much for the POW / MIA cause, a great organization!

[Beckers 1,136]

I think youre kidding but if you have them they must be more strategically placed.

I'll never tell!

[AC in A2......Aaron 693]

I'll never tell!

LOL.....i just want tO know what its all about.....or do I?

[Beckers 1,136]

I'm tattoo free. I couldn't never get one. Not a fan of pain! Brian has a pretty big tattoo on his back.

[CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547]

I'm tattoo free. I couldn't never get one. Not a fan of pain!

 

Same here.  I hate needles.  Can't imagine how painful a tattoo must be.

[AC in A2......Aaron 693]

I'm looking forward to this water ski show in a parade.  Was that the boat that was supposed to be pulling these skiers down the street?

 

Can't wait.

 

I think you missed a couple key words. 

 

I'm in....    Our parade was Thursday...   High School Band, 3 convertibles with veterans, and four fire trucks, one ambulance, led by a police car.  Total time to pass our house  2 minutes.   But it does stop at the veteran's memorial  which is 5 houses past our home and in between the last house and a local church.  Welcome to really small town America.

 

That is about what I was expecting this year at our parade......but it apparently grew since last year.

 

Glad to have you reading along sir.

 

Thanks for sharing this, Aaron!  I grew up in a small town that always had a 4th of July parade.  In fact all through high school, me and the other band geeks all marched in it.

 

Good times!!

 

 

:rofl2:

 

 

:heartsmiley:

 

Bite mark tattoos??

 

I got nuthin'...

 

Nobody has an explanation I guess.  I would think bite mark tats all over your body would have some sort of explanation.  

 

She has one, but it's a secret.

 

Maybe that is part of her allure?

 

I am in.

 

I am glad.

 

Nice pics.  We just got back home from our neighborhood's parade (postponed for rain from Thursday).  I'll post some pics later to FB.  Looking forward to more, Aaron. 

 

Thanks Dave.  I will post more soon. 

 

Thanks for sharing, enjoying your pictures very much! I have had the honor of being in the Plymouth, MA July 4 parade several times and they always have a huge turnout there. It is nice to see people come together and share some Patriotism. 

 

Nice to see "Rolling Thunder" represented at the parade. They do so much for the POW / MIA cause, a great organization!

 

I agree they are a great organization.  You will get to see a couple pics of them in a moment.

 

I'm tattoo free. I couldn't never get one. Not a fan of pain! Brian has a pretty big tattoo on his back.

 

It's not of bite marks is it?

 

Maybe it says, "What can Brown Do For You?"

 

Same here.  I hate needles.  Can't imagine how painful a tattoo must be.

 

I hate them too.  Especially if they are going to put bite marks on me.

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

Outstanding job, as usual, Aaron!

 

I am impressed that you have taught your children to respect the flag.  Good job!

 

Nice work on photographing the tattoo lady.  I wish you had gotten closer so we could all see the bite marks, but I understand why you didn't.

 

TCD

[AC in A2......Aaron 693]

Outstanding job, as usual, Aaron!

 

I am impressed that you have taught your children to respect the flag.  Good job!

 

Nice work on photographing the tattoo lady.  I wish you had gotten closer so we could all see the bite marks, but I understand why you didn't.

 

TCD

 

Thanks TCD!

 

I was a bit scared to get any closer.......not just of her but the gigantic MMA looking family members that were with her as well.

[AC in A2......Aaron 693]

Let's get this thing going again.

 

Here comes the Rolling Thunder:

 

 

 

And there goes the Rolling Thunder:

 

 

 

I told you it was a small town parade.

 

People training for the Move it. Shake it. Parade:

 

 

 

 

 

Here come the hose draggers:

 

 

 

 

They sure can cook.  In fact the parade would be better if the firefighters brought their grills and cooked for the crowd.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What a job!!

 

 

I think this is supposed to be a chicken:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A hearse?

 

 

 

 

 

Next up.....we head out of town and pood forn!!

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

What do you mean you head out of town?

 

You didn't go to the Chicken Broil?

 

That chicken on the truck made it look so appetizing.

 

TCD

[AC in A2......Aaron 693]

After the parade, we packed up the Chevy and headed for Mount Pleasant, Michigan.

 

Mount Pleasant is home to Central Michigan University.

 

It is also home to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.

 

We were headed to the Soaring Eagle Hotel and Waterpark which is located just up the street from the Soaring Eagle Resort and Casino.

 

Here is the link for the hotel/waterpark where we stayed:

 

http://www.soaringeaglewaterpark.com/

 

 

I took zero pictures there. 

 

I am not sure why.

 

We walked out by the road and watched the fireworks at night.

 

The Mount Pleasant fireworks were very good; probably because of all the casino money.

 

They lasted somewhere between 20-25 minutes.

 

The next day (July 5th) we enjoyed the waterpark and went to dinner.

 

We ate dinner at a place called Moutain Town Station Brewery.

 

http://www.mountaintown.com/

 

It received good ratings on the UrbanSpoon App so we gave it a try.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Cowboy Golden Ale was very tasty:

 

 

DW had her normal Pinot Grigio:

 

 

 

My Cajun Shrimp/Sausage Jambalaya:

 

 

 

My wife's BBQ Brisket:

 

 

MY BIL's BBQ Brisket Sandwich:

 

 

Mountain Cookie for dessert:

 

 

 

 

 

DS and Nephew share a hobo sundae:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turtle Cheesecake:

 

 

 

All the food was excellent.

 

We enjoyed the waterpark but did not like it near as much as we enjoyed Great Wolf Lodge when we stayed there before in Traverse City, Michigan.

 

From what I hear about Kalahari, this place would not come close to comparing to that either.

 

It was fun for a couple days and the kids enjoyed themselves with their cousins who were all staying there as well.

 

I hope you enjoyed this very short report and if you didn't it's over so rejoice!

 

Peace.

 

I'm outta here.

[momof3kids-Yvonne 594]

Excellent report!

DD11 and I were talking yesterday about how much we missed being in Nebraska this year for the 4th. Small towns have the best 4th of July parades.

[AC in A2......Aaron 693]

What do you mean you head out of town?

 

You didn't go to the Chicken Broil?

 

That chicken on the truck made it look so appetizing.

 

TCD

 

I know right?

 

It is hard to believe but true.

 

Excellent report!

DD11 and I were talking yesterday about how much we missed being in Nebraska this year for the 4th. Small towns have the best 4th of July parades.

 

Thanks Yvonne.  I am glad I could share a bit of small town Independence Day with you.

 

I remember reading your report last year and how much I loved it.  You are right about small town parades.

[Big Kahuna aka John 71]

Thanks Aaron for sharing your 4th of July weekend with us .  

[AC in A2......Aaron 693]

Thanks Aaron for sharing your 4th of July weekend with us .  

 

You are most welcome sir.

[DaveInTN 3,247]

The food looks tasty.  I do enjoy some jambalaya. 

[4mickey2 41]

thanks for the parade and food pics!  we missed the parade and fireworks this year.  we headed up north - a 3.5 hour drive normally--took us 21 hours.  lol  too tired to watch the fireworks and completely missed the parade.  but i got to see the parade in your town.  i want to know - how much candy did the kids get?  :)

 

thanks for sharing.