Truth in Advertising

Last 4th of July we went to the City of Milton parade. It really can only be called a parade in the loosest standards...think more in line with a neighborhood parade than something you would expect from something sponsored by a city. The "parade" has basically been the joke of our family for the last year.

I did give them some slack because, after all, the city was newly incorporated, and had a late start planning the parade.

That is until I read this article: (I've emphasized my favorite parts)

Milton Hosts 2nd Annual Fourth of July Citizens Parade
The whole community is invited to join the event!

Riding the success of last year's Fourth of July Citizens Parade, the City of Milton will continue the new tradition this year. All Milton residents are welcome to decorate bikes, wagons and pets and come help the city celebrate the nation's birthday.

"We had such an incredible turnout last year that we just had to host the event a second time," said Project Coordinator Linda Blow, who came up with the idea of citizens participating last year. "We are determined to make it bigger and better than it was in 2008."

The parade route begins at the corner of Deerfield Parkway and Webb Road at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 4, and proceeds along Deerfield. Participants are asked to assemble at Milton City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway, at 9:30 a.m. After the parade, come back to City Hall to enjoy balloon animals and face painting. Local Girl Scouts will be selling beverages and Milton's new Philly Pretzel Factory will be selling pretzels.


So many comments so little time.

• The picture they posted pretty much is the entire parade--there might be 30 people that were in the parade that aren't in the picture--but I'm not positive about that.
• I'm glad they are determined to make it bigger and better than last year--it would be difficult not to be better than last year.
• I loved "Riding the success of last year" and the "incredible turnout" statements....I think our family tripled the number of spectators that were there watching the parade.....
• I love the idea that you come and walk in the parade--or watch a bunch of people with strollers walk a couple hundred yards then go back to the city offices and pay for a drink and pay for a pretzel....so.much.fun.

Even though our 4th of July celebrations have been pitiful not as much fun as we would like...I'm positive we can do better than this.