One 4th of July tradition our family has adopted is the Yukon Freedom Fest Kids Parade. Children from the area make small floats (with help from their parents, of course) and then walk them through a short parade. There are several age divisions and different prizes awarded, but mostly we just enjoy taking the kids out and “parading” them around. A lot of people show up to watch the parade — Freedom Fest is quite an event that includes tons of stuff for kids to do (moonwalks, petting zoos, etc) and a large car show for the adults.

Susan started on Mason’s float yesterday. Rummaging through the garage we found 3/4 of the box our washing machine came in. We decided it could either be a rocket ship or the Washington Monument, so we went with rocket ship. Susan cut up a plastic flag to create the flames coming out the back. The box was painted with leftover white spray paint, and the red, white and blue stripes and decorations were made using colored duct tape. A couple of stars and some random stickers completed the design. I used a razor blade to cut out the cockpit and an area for Mason to sit in. Mason applied all the stickers and told us what to stick where. When finished, we mounted the whole thing (again with tape) to the top of Mason’s red wagon. Total cost, less than $10.

We arrived to the parade right on time. I know that it’s all supposed to be just for fun, but I couldn’t help from checking out the competition. There were four floats in Mason’s age group. The other three were all “motorized”, built on or around battery-powered cars. A lot of the entries weren’t floats at all but just kids on their bikes with streamers tied to the back. Many people commented on Mason’s rocket ship and he beamed with pride each time he heard one.

Susan pulled Mason through the parade while I ran alongside them, snapping pictures. Mason has almost perfected his parade wave, waving wildly with each hand in both directions, regardless of whether or not anyone was around or not.

Mason’s cousin (my newphew) Dylan entered in a different age group. His “firecracker” costume also got a lot of compliments! After all the floats (thirty or so) had gone through, the judges compared notes and announced the winners.

Best “costume” (meaning his entire float, I guess) — Mason!

And best costume in the 9-12 age group? Dylan! Way to go guys!!!