Fourth of July parade in Manzanita OR

[stuntmanmike]

So i decided to troop in the Manzanita parade this year, solo as I know there was a lot going on 4th of July. I wasn't quite sure how people would react to a single Biker Scout walking in the 4th of July parade. The response was awesome! Made tons of kids happy! When I was standing in the staging area waiting, an older women and a boy with down-syndrome approached me and asked for a picture and I said absolutely and you could tell he was beside himself. Such a great feeling to make someones day. Saw him again when I started walking and made sure he knew I say him and he was grinning ear to ear. Such a fun event.

[Dax Corrin]

I marched alone Friday as well, had a blast, the kids loved it! Lots of fun, there was a disabled lad in his wheelchair on the side of the road, I made sure to get over there and give him a high-5, he grinned ear to ear as well!  My mini-gun started getting heavy by the end of the march, and I started out just behind the Grand Marshal's float and ended up near the end by the time I criss-crossed back and forth from one side of the street to the other, high 5s and pics taken, and plenty hot and sweaty afterwards, and my left knee was complaining at the end, but it's all better now, and my flight suit is freshly laundered for the next troop at the Eugene Emeralds!

[stuntmanmike]

Yep did the same thing. I like to be able to interact with the kids rather than just walk by waving. I think it gives them a much more personal experience when they are able to shake our hand and touch us. To me seeing the reactions and the joy we bring is the most rewarding thing and being able to suit up as OUR favorite character is just a bonus.