Page 24 THE BEACON September 2017
Bright Parade- Bright Memories
Two Princesses- Peggy Waltz and Teagan Sommer share a moment before the parade began .
By Susan Ray
The unmistakable whistle of a steam powered tractor met with cheers and applause from the hundreds of people lining the street as the Bright Parade began .
The annual parade is part of the Bright Community Festival , a two-day event that includes music , food , games and more to benefit the Bright Fire and EMS Department .
Watching the parade was sixyear-old Rylan Selvidge . When asked what entry he liked best , Rylan answered , “ The Police – oh , no , wait – no , Captain America was my favorite ! Oh , and Flash !”
“ I thought he was going to go after the one with Captain America on it !” says Jean Selvidge .
Eight-year-old Madison Herald explains , “ My favorite float was the Brady Bunch one .”
Tabitha Smith agrees , “ The Brady Bunch was the funniest - and the little Shriners motorcycles ! I love those !”
A parade wouldn ’ t be the same without music , and the East Central High School Marching Band and Guard provided the crowds with plenty . Band member Laura Barnhorst usually plays the marimba but had fun playing the cymbals in the parade . Her mother , Cheryl Barnhorst says , “ These kids , the eighth graders , just started practicing this summer and have had one week of band camp ; yeah , I think it ’ s good the way they ’ ve been able to march and play music together .”
Vintage automobiles and antique tractors joined emergency vehicles in the celebration , while Boy Scouts , Law Enforcement Explorers , and cheerleaders waved all along the parade route . Spectators were treated to free popsicles , cookies , soda , and even pizza slices from local businesses and organizations .
Bright area leaders started the parade to bolster the Bright Festival and share something positive with neighbors who had experienced the devastating F4 tornado in 1990 . This annual celebration still brings friends and family together - a tradition that continues and grows with every year .
The team from UCB got into the action with a large group of employees and customers .
Vietnam Veterans Ervin McKinley , Rising Sun ; Jerry Bondurant , Aurora ; Bob Palmer , Aurora ; Marty Sizemore , Aurora ; Joe Halloran , Rising Sun ; and Ed Shannon , Rising Sun joined BEACON founder Liz Morris , Teagan Sommer , and Tamara Taylor in the parade . Not shown driver Bob Sommer . ( photo by Brian Sommer )
The Greendale Baptist Church was well represented by Stephanie , Jude , Charli , and Alex D ' Amico .
Parade founder Art Little was in on the action with a smile the entire time . See what a Little idea can cause ?!! ( photo by Susan Ray )
Wil Holand was spellbound by all of the festivities .
Two Randy ' s in one ! Great representation for a great day .
Two participants are planning for a future at BFD . ( photo by Susan Ray )
A dedicated young lady jumped on a pogo stick during the entire parade ! ( photo by Susan Ray )
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