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Parade lasts longer than rainApr 14, 2013 (Muskogee Phoenix - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Just as the cannon boomed Saturday morning to start the 47th annual Azalea Festival Parade, the sun broke through the clouds and rain started to fall. Fortunately, the sprinkles didn't last long, and the parade-goers put down their umbrellas and enjoyed the floats as vendors moved through the crowd passing out free popcorn. Jason Jones and Michelle Boyd-Jones brought their son, 8-month-old Ayden, out for his first parade. Both said watching him was their favorite part. "He's loving it," Jason Jones said. "He likes to people-watch more than anything else. Next year, I'm sure candy will be more important, though. "Aside from watching Ayden have fun, my favorite part is the chili I get to eat after the parade." The theme for this year's parade was "Flowers We Love," and most of the floats were dressed to the nines in floral patterns and live flowers. Those without flowers were brightly colored with balloons, costumed riders or flashing emergency lights. Kyler Stern, 4, of Muskogee said his favorite part was "the funny cars that did wheelies." "I liked the shotgun that went off and the pretty girls, too," he said. "And the bouncy things look fun too. I even saw one of my friends here. I can't wait to come back next year." Kyler was one of hundreds lining Okmulgee Avenue and Broadway. The crowd's attire reflected the weather: uncertainty. Some wore jackets and jeans, and others were just as comfortable in shorts and T-shirts. Margaret Ragsdale and Maddox Worrel, both of Muskogee, said they enjoyed the parade immensely. "The kids all seemed to be having so much fun," Ragsdale said. "When the sun was out it was great. My only complaint was how spread out it was. The floats need to be closer together." Timing did seem to be an issue, as some participants were walking alongside their floats, and others were jogging to catch up with theirs. With 57 entries, any lulls in the action were quickly dissipated by children scrambling into the streets for leftover candy thrown by riders on the floats. Ragsdale also said she thought the parade was excellent for Muskogee. "It's really good for the community," she said. "It has brought a lot of people from out of town directly into the heart of downtown. That's a very valuable thing for our image." You can reach Travis Sloat at (918) 684-2908 or [email protected]. Parade winners Best Overall -- FirstarBank. Best Commercial -- Firstar Bank. Best Non-Commercial -- Early Childhood Center. Best Theme -- District Court Clerk Office, Paula Sexton. Best Dance Team -- Academy of Performing Arts/McCafferty School of Dance. See more photos here ___ (c)2013 the Muskogee Phoenix (Muskogee, Okla.) Visit the Muskogee Phoenix (Muskogee, Okla.) at muskogeephoenix.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |