Water Takes Center Stage at Sierra Madre’s Annual Parade
By Terry Miller
Published: Monday, July 5th, 2010
The fire dept. didn't let the kids down, despite the city's objections to water along the parade route-photo by Terry Miller
This year’s July 4 parade held on the 5th, was perhaps a little more political than usual. Perhaps there was a 40% increase in the water used from last year, coincidentally the percentage the city wants to hike the water rates.
The obvious anger at the proposed water rate was echoed in Sierra Madre City College’s annual entry which always
has a clear and humorous message. However the strongest statement was made by the volunteer fire dept. who insisted on letting the kids enjoy the parade and cool water sprayed from a water tender along the route and – not at the city sponsored “designated water area” a mile down the road at Sierra Vista park where very few parade watchers will travel post parade. Residents were even asked to sign a waiver if they were to participate in the water zone.
The tradition of water spraying along the route goes back many years and the looks on the excited kids faces said it all. This was one time the government, local or otherwise, wasn’t going to infringe on freedom to enjoy a good soaking.
Grand Marshal Lew Watanabe and his wife Joyce
Another political statement made by a group of cyclists, many of whom had been ticketed by Sierra Madre Police for allegedly running stop signs. They had a clear message for the chief and the town’s people!
Photos by Terry Miller
2 Responses for “Water Takes Center Stage at Sierra Madre’s Annual Parade”
Leave a Reply
[...] Read the FULL STORY Posted by BeaconBot on Jul 5th, 2010 and filed under Sierra Madre News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site. [...]
Sierra Madre put it’s best foot and fire hose forward again this year as our townsfolk celebrated the birth of our country in grand, Sierra Madre All-American fashion. The parade, the jazz band and activities for the kids in the park, and of course the Beer Garden, are the traditional 4th of July treasures of Sierra Madre. Kudos to the always fabulous Fourth of July Committee, headed now by Matt Bosse, for pulling everything together. It’s a time and place that we all keep coming back to, year after year…a celebration that singularly embodies the “Spirit of Sierra Madre.” It’s why we enjoy living here!
Amidst all this great fun and success is there the risk of criticism? I saw a Fire Department engine occasionally stop and, very judiciously, spray a narrow pattern of water directly ahead. Common sense called for the water spray! The kids had a thrill they’ll cherish for their lifetime. I can’t imagine anyone being critical of doing the right thing!
So while our Fire Department was in the parade, our terrific Police, Water and Public Works Department employees should have been, too! They help keep things running 24/7, and deserve the same applause of an appreciative crowd. And talking about great people helping others, how lucky we are to have the fabulous Search & Rescue Team in our town, and in the parade, too!
BTW, There was live television coverage of the parade on KCBS-TV this year! If you missed it, you can still see the report on their website http://cbs2.com/video/?id=138802@kcbs.dayport.com.
Happy Birthday America!!!