Happy Independence Day to our Kops Park neighbors!

As promised, here are the photos from our first annual Kops Park Patriotic Parade that was held on Wednesday, June 29. Response from neighbors was indeed red, white and true-blue! Kids had a blast being part of (as opposed to just watching) their own neighborhood parade celebrating the 235th birthday of our country. At times it looked as though the grownups were having as much fun -- or more -- than the kids; and their dogs were all well-behaved and decked out as well. (See photos.) The turnout was incredible and far exceeded our wildest expectations as a group of more than 150 people showed up to either participate or spectate!

We had kids, we had dogs, we had vuvuzelas (Go ahead, google it; you know you want to!), we had prizes, we had a giraffe unicyclist (Google that, too, while you're at it.); we even had a violin soloist playing patriotic marching band music! 

Sometimes the most spontaneous fun is the most memorable. Folks, this was one spontaneous bit of home-town fun, right here in our own Kops Park. It shows what we all can accomplish together! If it weren't for the help of our Kops Park Neighborhood Association helpers and some from Beautiful Savior, the word wouldn't have spread as far. Sincere thanks for your part in making this event a tremendous success.

So sit back, enjoy the snap shots of fun the way it used to be, long before iPods, texting, Wii -- not that those are bad things(!) and share more memories with your kids about a more simple time for growing up. And kids, take a moment during your celebrations over the 4th of July holiday; ask your folks, grandparents, aunties, uncles, neighbors  or other older adults. You'll be tickled to hear stories about how kids entertained themselves across summer vacations gone by.