I remember going to a parade in 1976 where the big draw was a toss up between the Budweiser Wagon pulled by Clydesdale horse team and the original Bat-mobile from the television series.
It seems interest in parades is waning in many home towns across the United States of America. I'm proud to know that Morgan Hill has kept this tradition alive and well since at least 1894. This year I had the opportunity to participate up close and personal with my friends of the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center (WERC).
Building a float takes vision, patience and in this case - teamwork. The WERC-ers were supported this year with a flat bed tow truck from Community Towing in Morgan Hill. We were also honored with the presence of Dr. Colbert of the Princevalle Pet Hospital in Gilroy.
It's critical the foundation and all building materials are sturdy so the precious cargo is supported at all times and nothing "flies" off risking injury.
Aside from the humans on board, our precious cargo included several non-releasable birds found locally. We had Zoro (turkey vulture), Wapeka (red tailed hawk), Luna (great horned owl), Horus (perigrine falcon), Owlivia (western screech owl), Wally (pygmy owl), Ariel (merlin falcon) and Barnadette (barn owl).
These animals are some of the educational staff available to come to schools and various events. Each has a story about why they need humans to survive. You can find out more about them by contacting me or at the web site (www.werc-ca.org) if you desire.
Lest I forget, we also have the ever-watchful bald eagle who cries out for peace and freedom.
Our peace and freedom came at a very high price and continues today just as it will into the future.
There's something about honoring tradition that brings out the best in all of us - be sure to remember it's OK to be thankful every day.
I hope to see you all in Morgan Hill next year for our local parade!
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