I didn't really want to go. I have attended many years. Sometimes I was even staffing a booth or responsible for seeing that it was staffed. One memorable time (1994) I even rode on the back of the back seat of a convertible as the Grand Marshal. Another time I rode in a horse drawn carriage advertising the Neighbor's Center. Still another time I was on a float pulled by a tractor. This year I had no responsibilities. I was not expected to do a thing. There was really no reason to go, and I enjoy sitting in my lounge chair with my crossword puzzles at the end of the day.

But on Thursday night our great-granddaughter wanted to go to the bracelet night at the carnival. I wanted her to have that experience and it seemed foolish to take her in, come home, and then go get her. Besides I wanted to be nearby in case of any mishaps or problems. So I went. Of course I forgot to take our collapsible lawn chair so we sat on the strawbale-supported wooden planks.

I ended up being glad because that put me up front where I could see some of the folk who were working so hard to make the whole event a good time for everyone.

I enjoyed visiting with many friends, hearing our local artists sing and play their instruments, and sitting in the nice breeze remembering years of fun on and around this same spot.

Yes, Marilyn had a good time at the carnival and rode the same rides over and over. But I think I had just as much fun.

On Saturday, we all knew we wanted to go walk around the Square and see the exhibits and stay for the parade. We had three more great-grandchildren here for the weekend so they needed to have their chance at the carnival also.

Therefore we went in a little earlier than our original plan. I gave instructions that I would be at a certain spot on the courthouse lawn and they were to stay in pairs and come see me every hour at least. After dividing my money among the four and taking a leisurely walk around the Square, Shirley and I found a spot in the shade right across from the stage.

Of course we forgot the lawn chairs again, but we wouldn't have had room for them anyway with four kids in our little car with us.

I had literally given the children all of my cash so we didn't even have enough change to buy a cool drink, but at one booth, we were offered a drink of cold water.

When the youngest child came back broke, begging for more money, I had to honestly tell him I didn't have any. I'm not sure he really believed me. I did pull out enough change to let him get a drink, which saved the day for him.

The parade was impressive and fun, but the best thing about the whole week was seeing all the people that came out to the events, and feeling the friendship from those who were there.

Charlie Johnson and all his committees, the many volunteers, the weather, and each person who participated deserve many thanks.

I didn't want to go, but I didn't want to stay home and not support those who were working so hard to make it memorable. Now I know I would have missed out on a really special time if I had stayed home.

But the lounge chair sure looked good to me when I came in Saturday night.

I was even too tired to attempt the crossword puzzles.