free beans

Today was Pioneer Day in our little town. It’s a celebration of community or something. Most of the stores are closed, since the purpose of Pioneer Day is for everyone to come together and celebrate. I got talked into helping with the parade (yes, there’s a parade). I didn’t think it was going to be much fun, but it was. One of the highlights was getting to wear a fluorescent yellow safety vest! The parade had nearly 200 entries. There were lots of tractors and horses and Shriners (because what parade would be complete without Shriners) and old cars and kids.

Whoah, big thresher! (On the right you can catch a glimpse of a fluorescent vest. That’s Fred.)

This was part of a local elementary school. They had very colorful banners that they waved around. I heard they got all tangled up later on, but it was pretty at the start.
Another highlight of Pioneer Day is the bean feed in the city park. They cook up a frightening amount of chili beans and give them out for free! With bread! Here’s where they scoop it out:

And here’s a lively group enjoying the beans:

Notice the pot? You can bring a container from home, and they will fill it for you! Now don’t you wish you lived here?