|
Hood River News Editorial
July 8, 2006
Compliments to the hundreds of community
members who participated in Tuesday’s enjoyable Fourth of July parade
and other events — and the folks who organized them.
People flocked to see the parade, Jackson Park events, and the
spectacular Eyeopener Lions fireworks show.
Counterpoint to the ever-impressive Air National Guard parade flyover,
10:15 as scheduled, was the slower airborne sojourn by another pair of
planes: the mid-20th century biplanes made leisurely circles over the
Hood River parade route, to the delight of the crowd.
It was a slight reminder of simpler, slower times, which should be one
of the functions of the July 4 holiday.
Part of that sense of community was in the blending of the Hood River
parade and the Joe Kollas Memorial Run, a phenomenon that was more
evident than ever. Many of the participants trotted toward the finish
while intermingling with kids on bikes or alongside old cars, horses
or other vehicles in the colorful parade.
It is one of the city’s better traditions: the way the runners and
walkers complete the 7.4 route from Odell, bringing two long-standing
events together.
Plenty of people are on hand along Tucker Road/12th Street to cheer on
the runners and walkers. If you didn’t get into the practice of
applauding the Kollas participants this year, try it next year: it
adds to the fun. Most runners clearly appreciate the boost on that
long, straight stretch home.
One of those crossover entries was a dad who jogged from Odell pushing
a stroller with his son resting comfortably inside, reading a book.
And not just any book: it was a road atlas. Obviously the Kollas Run
and parade was just the first of many adventures for that young man. |
