Des Moines’ Big Birthday Parade Is Taking Shape

[EDITOR'S NOTE: To see Photos from the 2009 50th Birthday/Waterland Parade, click here. To read our firsthand account and see photos of what it was like for us to be in the parade (then hang out with the Seafair Pirates, click here.]

by Pat Nardo

With less than 30 days until our 50th Anniversary celebration and Grand Parade, volunteers are scurrying about, not unlike the “Three Blind Mice” trying to pull together all the loose ends that have a tendency to reveal themselves at the least opportune moment.

We are having our parade meetings every Wednesday evening at 6pm at the Bjorneby’s CARSTAR office on 220th and Pacific Highway. Applications are still being accepted although a good number of units for the parade have signed on. This is a Seafair Sanctioned event and the Seafair Commodores will play a large role in our success. Part of our excitement, hardly contained, is the honor of having the Seafair Pirates presenting their playful, threatening antics to an always pleased crowd. The booming cannon and swords slashing the air amid loud “har hars” always gets the kids in the crowd animated.

There will be three marching bands and a few floats, at least three children’s units will begin the march through town on Marine View Drive. Our budget, though small, we are able to come up with appropriate trophies, provided by our own EC Computer owner and Des Moines supporter, Patricio Mendoza. Engraving may cost us but that too is in negotiations. There will be badges for all who are working on the parade, including staff and honored guests. At Landmark on the Sound there is a reception planned with mostly “finger food” and from The Reuben New York Eatery a generous sampling of their famous, delicious brownies! Remember the slogan, “Betcha can’t eat just one”? Enough said!

Our friends at Butler’s Bar & Grill plan a beer garden and a “blues band” to be in the front of their business to invite spectators, residents, and anyone else to join the festivity provided after our parade. Mike Collello is hosting this part of our celebration. Our parade poster is being distributed all over town and the excitement is beginning to build up as we proceed with, what we hope, will be a very memorable event.

Applications are still accepting for participation in our parade, but time is limited now, so if you need assistance with this, you may call Anna Bjorneby at (206) 244-8080 or BJ Bjorneby at the same number. Remember, we are at the time when applications need to be in around July 1st, so don’t hesitate, vacillate or procrastinate. I am not sure what these words really mean but I found them in my thesaurus.

The Junior Parade will start at 5:30pm, and the Main parade at 6pm.

We are now at 30 days and counting for a magnificent parade so plan to be here as part of your “staycation”!