This morning I was awoken by the sound of the alarm. I was dreaming. I opened my eyes and quickly closed them – the sunlight was that bright. It took me a few seconds to realize the import of this, which was that, yes, Hrimmi and I would be entrants in the Alaska State Fair parade.

Hrimmi was up for an adventure of the Alaska State Fair parade sort. From beginning to end, she was an exemplary horse. She hopped in the trailer and did not look back to see where Raudi and Tyra were. And at our immediate destination, the Palmer Senior Center Parking lot, she hopped out, stood quietly when tied, and ate a late breakfast. Okay, she ate her brunch.

Pete put the pack in place and together we put the chapbooks (which were held in place with rubber bands) in Hrimmi’s bags.

I decided at the near last minute to have Pete walk her, this way I’d be able to hand the book walkers their bundles. We had Robert drive the car. He opted to be behind Hrimmi – I agreed with others that he should have been out front. Oh well.

Pete, Hrimmi, and I walked the three blocks to the parade line up area. It grew increasingly more congested as we moseyed along. Pete led Hrimmi and I passed books out to children on their way to the parade.

We found our appointed place in the lineup and the book walkers joined us. After some time, the line began moving. There were clusters of individuals lining the side streets. We turned onto the main drag, Alaska Street, and there, the sidewalk on both sides of the street were packed with children and adults alike.

I alternated passing bundles on to the walkers and passing out individual books. I also kept a close eye on Pete and Hrimmi, who it seemed were having a great time. I had written “The End” on the white area on Hrimmi’s but – Pete kept showing it to children and saying to them that they should be able to read this.

It was, I thought, as we arrived at the announcer’s bleacher, almost like last year. We again ran out of books. And we were all over the place. The main difference was that last year is that we distributed books from a tricycle bicycle. This year we distributed it from a packhorse.

I was right then so proud of Hrimmi. Did she know that she was doing an amazing job? Most likely not. She was not afraid because it’s her nature to be calm. Plus, she’s been exposed to many different things, which prepared her for this.

The route finished at the Pioneer Home – the seniors were out in their wheelchairs, taking in the parade. I so wish that we’d had enough books on hand. Next year.

We continued on to our start point, and there we tied Hrimmi to the trailer. After, Pete, Robert, and my friend Cathy, who lives in senior housing, hung out and talked.

All agreed, a great day was had by all.

Next: 225. 8/18/24: Enjoy the Read!