Last year, there was a dangerously cold wind chill the day of this parade, and we had to cancel our participation. This year. the temperature was almost 40. That's still chilly, but the sun was shining and our instruments were able to function properly.

The event committee had some new requirements this year. Bands had to have at least twelve people, a color guard and at least one Irish song. We don't have an Irish song in our library, so Maria created an arrangement of a medley of When Irish Eyes are Smiling, The Irish Washer Woman, and My Wild Irish Rose. Our founder, the late Tim Kelley, and one of our charter members, the late Don Pullyblank, were both very proud of their Irish ancestry, so it is very fitting for us to have an Irish song to play in their honor. 

We were lined up on one of the streets off East Avenue. The parade had already started and we had just been told that our division would be moving soon. Theresa's daughter, Taryn, and Taryn's boyfriend, Louis, were still missing. With just moments to spare, they arrived. Taryn carried one end of the banner and Louis carried the American flag. Taryn also brought her dog to march along.