Don't laugh. Parades are hard work.

2011 - 89'er Parade

Before...it's just a little cool.  I've got a light wrap in case I get too cold.  I'm crisp and shiny and ready to throw some candy!

and After...the gloves are gone, the hair is windblown, my crown is crooked, I'm sunburned, it is 250 degrees Fahrenheit under the floor length ball gown...
WATER!  Someone give me some WATER!

BIG THANKS to sponsors!

The donations of sponsors make it possible for exhibitors to win money and prizes at many shows.

For Local, I sent out twenty-two thank you letters.   For the county show/premium sale, I sent out twenty-six thank you letters.  I didn't have to send out that many, but there were some people that I wanted to thank for their donations of hay and straw for the whole group.  Every thing that every person does for the show teams is important.  We should ALL show our appreciation.

I don't actually send thank you cards.  I send thank you LETTERS.  I include a collage of photos of the work and the awards from the year.  I also write at least a one page (usually two page) letter telling who I am and what I do and thanking the donor for their money or trophy or prize donation.  I want them to know how much their sacrifice means to me.  Money is tight for everyone.  I want them to know that what they do is appreciated.  It's the least I can do in return for all that they give me.

Paradin' Around!

April 22, 1889 was the day of the famous land run in Oklahoma that opened up new land for settlement and established Guthrie as the first state capitol.  Every year on the Saturday closest to that date, Guthrie hosts the 89'er Parade.  Tens of thousands of people turn out to watch the parade and join in the week of festivities.

This year, and last year, I represented the Oklahoma Ayrshire Association in the parade as the Oklahoma Ayrshire Jr. Dairy Princess.  I also used the convertible as advertising for Dairy Max and 4-H. (The picture above is this years picture.) While I was ridin' on my fancy princess moblie, a woman who teaches with my mom was there with her daughter. My mom and I were paradin' down the street, and my mom stopped to switch out candy buckets, I saw the teacher's daughter sayin' "Hi Maddie! Hi Maddie! Hi Maddie!," and while we were stopped she walked right up next to the car in the middle of a parade!!! I was so surprised and worried at the same time all I could say was, "Oh hi sweetie! Mom, give her some candy! Quick!" and mom was so surprised she gave her a big handful of candy and said, "Now run along! Bye!"

On down the parade route, I saw a lady from my church, and of course I  threw candy to her and her daughter, and later, that lady told my MawMaw that she told her little girl, " Look, there's Maddie!" and the little girl said, " I know a REAL princess!?!"
I just thought that was DARLING!
It was a good day!