John and Kim live in a Sacramento neighborhood that was airlifted straight out of the Midwest and plunked down two or three miles from downtown Sac. The huge trees that line the streets hang over American flags, barbecue grills, flower beds, and handsome manicured lawns. Everyone seems to know everyone. They’re all on the same page of the same book.
Kim organized a parade some years ago for the Fourth. Streets are closed and divided in half, providing a chariot-type race down one side, then back. Only it’s not really a race, unless you’re Kennedy, who wants to win even a non-competitive event. Little girls on scooters, big kids on bikes, parents holding hands of toddlers or pushing carriages vie in rush hour traffic to make the loop, then do it again…and again. Coffee is provided. Marie’s doughnuts quickly disappear. This year Jadyne counted the $192 dollars in donations, adding $8 of her own to round up the contributions, which will go for the parade next year. Below are some of the celebrants.
Ready to roll.
The countdown at the starting line.
Not everyone had the holiday spirit.
Kennedy and friend.
Between the parade and the hundreds of dollars of fireworks, John and Kim’s house and pool was a revolving door of friends, kids, burgers, and hot dogs. Hazel arrived early afternoon, missing the parade, but not the pool.