2005 Year in Review

Good Citizens to Attend Parade

Gather your lawn chairs, caps, and sunscreen in preparation of the spectacular Sesquicentennial Parade on Saturday, July 9.

This varied procession of walkers, vehicles, and animals will take more than an hour to pass by your chosen viewing location, winding its way through the south side of Morrison.

Eighty-five entries have registered. Some of the units consist of more than one component, and this adds interest. For example, Elwyn Nice has entered four semis, and the Double I Antique Car Club will bring 5 to 10 cars. The clowns will be interspersed between the entrants.

The parade begins at the General Electric Company parking lot, W. Wall, at 1:00. It ends at the S. Base Street entrance to the Whiteside County Fair on W. Winfield.

Parking will be restricted along the parade route, so floats and trucks have room to navigate. Allow a little walking time from your parking place to find a viewing spot. It is anticipated that surrounding streets will be crowded with parked cars, but that is the measure of a great parade!

For the convenience of parade watchers, a “Comfort Station” (porta-potty) will be stationed along the west end of the route. The restrooms of Odell Public Library will be available, too, at the corner of S. Madison and E. Morris.

Citizens are guests of the City of Morrison, but not necessarily of the home owners along the parade route. It will be best to stay out of yards unless you are invited. Watchers should stay on the sidewalk or green space along the edge of the street. Do your pet and the neighborhood a favor; leave the family dog at home in the shade or air-conditioning.

Here is a suggestion for those who live along the parade route. The early afternoon is an opportunity to sell lemonade or bottled water to thirsty spectators. Plan to include a trash can nearby, to corral the empty cups or bottles. No one will appreciate litter left after the parade.

Morrison Sesquicentennial anticipates that people will be good citizens as they share this old-fashioned, summer afternoon. The following checklist will help ensure that happens.

Applaud the parade entrants.

Wave to the politicians and others you know and smile at the parade spotters.

Take photographs.

Clean up any litter when the parade is over.

Finally, when you see Parade Chair Betty Stralow, give her a compliment for building a terrific Sesquicentennial Parade.

by Stephanie A. Vavra, Guest Columnist
June 26, 2005