On a cold and windy Saturday, members of the BCRC and the Central High Crew loaded a selection of seven boats onto the trailer in preparation for Bay City's 48th annual St. Patrick's Day parade. The trailer was then pulled to the Skillman's house where the Crew decorated the trailer and boats in preparation for Sunday's parade.
Sunday dawned cold and overcast again and there was a good wind blowing. Around 11:00 AM Crew and club members began to gather at the Skillman's house again. Garber Buick Jeep of Bay City provided a beautiful new, bright red Jeep to pull the trailer.
The group left around noon to assemble at the parade's "head waters" at the East end of Center Avenue. Then it was a matter of just waiting for the parade to start at 2:00 pm. Lead by a large group of police cars, fire engines, and ambulances, all with lights flashing and siren's howling, the parade kicked off right on time... and our group, being unit 121 out of 146, waited longer yet.
Despite the long wait and the cold weather, the Club and Crew members had a great time and a nice, brisk, Sunday afternoon TWO MILE walk. The parade was done by 4:30pm and the group went straight to the boathouse to unload and stow the boats and oars.
Thanks to everyone who participated. It was a lot of work but was also a fun afternoon. It also put the club in front of the community again. The crowd viewing the parade was estimated at 50,000 people.
Fearless Crew Captain in her OTHER life:
Senior Drum Major for the Marching Band