Minnesota Prairie Roots

IT’S A TIME-HONORED tradition in Faribault—the 10 a.m. Memorial Day parade.

First, parade watchers come bearing lawn chairs and blankets to claim curbside spots along Central Avenue.

To the south, down by the library/community center, parade participants are lining up, law enforcement vehicles at the head followed by the Color Guard and then the honored veterans. Marching bands slot in next.

It’s all so predictable. Every year. The same line-up, although occasionally the faces of politicians change.

But I love it. The Scouts, girls and boys, handing out flags.

Kids scrambling for tossed Tootsie Rolls. Kids dressed in patriotic attire. Kids here with grandparents, making this a multi-generational tradition.

Old cars and trucks.

And finally, at the end, the horses.

In 15 minutes, the parade is complete. Short. Sweet. Americana lovely in the sort of way that makes me appreciate Faribault, this place I call home in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

FYI: Check back for more photos from Memorial Day in Faribault and at the Cannon City Cemetery.

© Copyright 2016 Audrey Kletscher Helbling