The 84th Annual Alsatia Mummer's Parade

For 32 years my husband has been coming to the largest nighttime parade on the east coast. For many years he marched with his middle and high school bands, and for many more he sat watching bundled up in blankets. For the last 6 years I've been watching the parade with him, and now Jack has been watching the parade for 4 years and Sarah for 2.
We have friends join us every year and always some come from out of town for their first Mummer's parade experience.
During the 3 hour parade (I know!) we saw floats for every church band, boy scout, cub scout, girl scout troop, service club, and high school class. Marching were bands from every middle and high school in Washington County and many from hours away in Baltimore and in Virginia. The 250-member University of Maryland band marched and were by far one of the most enthusiastic groups, although I must mention that North Hagerstown High jumped and danced as they marched. Everyone who participates in any kind of organization in Washington County was in this parade: politicians, Miss Maryland, cheerleaders and baton-twirlers, the humane society, a lindy hop dance club, and more.

I do have photos, of course I have photos, but since I took 188 last night it is taking a looooong time to copy and convert and blah blah blah. Tomorrow I'm sure I'll have some to share.

Here is us watching the parade in 2006: