What a way to bring in the new year! My kids marched in the 137th Tournament of Roses Parade on New Years Day. It was wet, which made it cold, but such an amazing experience for these kids and all of the families that were along for the ride.
This was the biggest trip my kids have gone on without us. We were in the same area but rarely saw them because they were with their friends. It was a lesson on independence for them and letting go for me.
We arrived in California on December 28th. The kids were spread out over seven flights and had eleven buses to get them around for all of the activities. When we say our band is the biggest in the land, we’re not kidding. Six hundred band, color guard, and drill team members. The organizational skills of the staff and chaperones is to be admired. As far as I know, no children were lost. Or at least, not for long.
Monday was spent at Disneyland, where the kids got to march down Main Street. While Squirrel had been most excited about this originally, it did cut into the fun time at the park. Gathering six hundred kids for a ten-minute parade is no small feat. I think the wonder of getting to see backstage and walk through the tunnels was lost on them.
Tuesday the parents got to see the beautiful floats being made by hundreds of volunteers of all ages and abilities. It was truly a sight to behold. While we were busy, the kids were getting ready to perform for Band Fest.
The parents were rushed off to the buses as soon as our band had performed, which made us all feel extremely uncomfortable. The parents of six hundred students getting up to leave as another band takes the field is not subtle. We would have much preferred to stay to see the other bands. Instead, we were taken to the Farmers Market.
Wednesday was the most laid-back day for the kids. They were able to enjoy Universal Studios the entire day with no performance obligations. It rained, but I know the kids were happy for the freedom to enjoy the park. They returned to the hotels early to celebrate the Texas New Year and get some sleep for the very early wakeup call.
And then it was parade day! Rain did not stop them. Marching in the rain has only happened eleven times in the parade’s 137-year history. They handled it well and did us all proud. We had a great time seeing the floats, which were not as magnificent as we’d anticipated given the rain. Many of the organic materials used to decorate the floats were washed away in the rain, while some of the floats were so bogged down with water that the animation motors were no longer running. There were even a few that needed to be towed. However, we cheered them all equally because we knew how much work had gone into their creation.
I’m so glad my kids got to have this experience. I imagine they will talk about it for years. Definitely a core memory unlocked.
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