Chautauqua in Wytheville

Saturday was the first day of the Chautauqua Festival. It begins with a parade down mainstreet. This is when one discovers that you really are supposed to charge the battery in your camera. But did manage a few pictures before it went kerplunk! I expect this is typical small town parade. First a police car, then headed by Hospital personnel walking some in scrubs, some just in regular clothes, with a banner.  Then various groups/individuals contribute to the parade. I saw old cars, balloon uni-cylcers, and the Shriners' "Kazim hillbillies" were out in fine form, just to show a few.  Camera ran out before I could get the martial arts classes in black gi's and various colored belts doing stick fights every few yards, or just doing high kicks with appropriate martial arts yells. Some were doing acrobatics -  back flips or cartwheels down the road. Dancing classes in their tutu's, a large contingent of service dogs (all breeds) and many other local groups.

Then there was Ms Chautauqua (pictured above). What would a parade be without a "beauty queen?" But wait - Then there is Young Ms, Chautauqua, and then Junior Ms Chautauqua, and then Little Ms Chautauqua, then Wee Ms Chautauqua, and last but not least, Baby Ms Chautauqua (newborn to 23 months old category) who is being held by mother (I assume) atop the back seat of a convertible and is actually waving at the crowd. How does one teach an 18-mo old to do that for the length of the parade - that's what I wanna know?  And just in case not enough beauties for you - in each category, the runner up and/or 2nd runner up might also be in the parade, each in their own convertible.  

Then I spent some time with the master gardeners who taught me more about bulbs, rhizomes, and corms, and demonstrated plants, dividing, and some tricks for old bulbs (though recommendation was to replace sometimes).  Later they demonstrated square foot gardening. Might be the way to go - much less space to weed. :). Also a flower show - lots of beautiful arrangements, including using some flowers I've been ripping out as weeds.. Maybe I need to rethink that?  And an art show of local artists and photographers.

They also have hot air balloon rallies, though fewer balloons go up these days than they used to or so I've been told -probably due to expense to get them here and insurance. But saw two go up in the air yesterday afternoon. It's sight to see.. Followed the balloon with my cousin driving, so learned some new shortcuts around town in the process. 

We also stayed for fair food and the Saturday night concert. Standing in line with us to get dinner, we saw a "balloon hero" getting a ride in its owner's (a 2-year old) stroller. The 2-year old was no where to be seen, but grandma and grandpop were pushing the stroller as directed. Said they were thinking of giving other's balloon characters $2 rides.  Got to love it.  The concert had two good bands - one doing Jimmy Buffet songs and the other did a wide variety of stuff from '60- through 2012 songs.

I'm gonna skip going today, but Monday will be back there for more fun.