Another walk for memory lane

Dear spectators,

Yesterday, my fiancee (Wendy) and I went to the Raleigh Christmas parade. Sure it is before Thanksgiving, but we had nothing better to do. Plus it was an excuse to stand out in the cold for awhile.
I have not been to many parades. The only parades I have been to are the small town ones where people are standing around. Of course they have been the Campbell University Homecoming parades which last only 15 minutes.
The parade starts at 9:30 in the am, but we were told it is best to get into place around 8. We make our way downtown a little before 8 and already see a row of cars. Fortunately, we find a place to park not far from the parade route. Actually we are near the starting point. So we are sitting on the curb waiting for the parade to begin.
The parade begins at 9:30. Wendy squeals with excitement. I am sitting there hoping no one spills hot chocolate on me. The parade has a parade's usual bands, floats of local businesses, dance teams, and characters from Star Wars...yeap, you read right. I guess Raleigh has a local chapter of some kind of Imperial legion. This year in the parade was the first time Raleigh has ever had balloon floats. It was only two, but hey that is an accomplishment. There was an oversized motor shopping cart. I guess that comes in handy in the store when you only have to load/unload once.
The parade was pretty fun. Plus, I did not hear of anyone getting run over by al loose float. However, I had to use the restroom at one point. So the last 30 minutes my eyes were swimming. Thankfully, Santa Claus drove by with his nine reindeer to conclude the parade. Then I was able to get my Christmas wish of finding a place to use the restroom. Yes, Virginia, there was a port-a-potty.
Will Wendy and I take our future children to parades? Like so many of the parents pulling and pushing their offspring. Only time and sponsors will answer that question. I am holding out for the float with a couple of former presidents.