STUNNINGLY STUPID MORBECK FLOAT LOSES TO REALLY CUTE FLOAT WHICH DOESN'T NEED TO BE EXPLAINED!

(continued)

We finally arrive at Town Hall and revel in it's plethora of water ices, free Rutledge tee shirts for "block captains", and fire engine rides.  I miss the "Star Spangled Banner" and the raising of the flag as I quickly dart home to score some liquid refreshment. I return to find the Fire Company lined up and the Parade Awards being announced.

Rutledge Fire Company, 2003. I remember when that handsome new hydrant was installed!

The awards are announced and we cheer as various deserving neighbors and friends receive their due.  Chelsey Sokoloff wins in the "Decorated Bike" Division and both Bailey and Joel Williamson score victories is their categories.  Fellow Tiger Cub Dylan Healy wins a prize and Brad hurries over to congratulate him. "HOW MUCH?" are the first words out of his mouth, bypassing the usual platitudes. Young Max Sokoloff scores a big victory in the "Decorated Costume" Brigade and his outfit is the envy of the entire town.

They save the "Family Float Division" results for last and (in keeping with our family's great Losing Tradition) we finish second as expected.  Oh Well. At this point every year we're always at our lowest points emotionally and then suddenly Promised Nirvana roars its siren and we hear the sacrosanct call:

"FREE FIRE TRUCK RIDES FOR EVERYBODY!"

They have some snazzy new access devices this year: New steps and a gangplank type affair which actually SWINGS into place. Everything's "up to date" in Kansas City (Rutledge), to quote the old song.  As we're waiting in line my smaller boys INSIST on taking pictures with my camera.  And here are the results of their first brush with the fabulous world of home photography:            

JOE ("Oreo's Father") SENIOR   photo courtesy Ben Morbeck         FIRETRUCK APPROACHING photo courtesy Gabe Morbeck

Wow! That was fun! As always after our speedy blast about the Borough we retire to 28 President to cool off and get ourselves mentally psyched up for the 2003 RUTLEDGE GAMES

by the way,

you were supposed to click up  where it said the "2003 Rutledge Games" to go to the next page