The day could not have been more perfect or memorable

Wm and I went to Del Rio,TX for the Fiesta de Amistad Parade. The few times I have tried to attend this parade it was cancelled due to rain. This year my Grandmother wanted my Grandfather to ride in the parade and my brother and I to ride with him in his own car not a float. Her reason was he is in his 80's and has never been in a parade so why not. It became more and more important to us both as the plans went on.

The theme was Military Order of the Purple Heart. My Grandfather is a Purple Heart recipient and WWII veteran. I was more than happy to make this happen for them both. Since late August I have been making arrangements and ordering supplies to decorate this vehicle. I would not be able to decorate it until I got to town the evening before the event. I knew nothing of decorating cars for parades but there are websites dedicated to parade supplies, much to my amazement.

What was required to be in the line was to display the American and Mexican flag in keeping with the theme of amistad between the two countries. I didn't want to mess with homemade signs and tape or glitter, that sort of thing. After much shopping around online I came up with some flags, ribbon, made Mexican style paper flowers and ta-da.....

My Grandparents were happy with the results. This was all for them. I was very happy to have the car pass the grandstand and have the MC introduce him to cheers and applause from the bleachers. After that it was a forty five minute ride at 5 miles an hour down Main St waving and smiling. That is an experience. The street is narrow and the car open on both sides and you can hear everything everyone says. Thankfully it was all kudos on the decor and people who knew my Grandad saying hi, clapping, some cheering......

After the parade we went to the arts and crafts/ food festival. What was missing were all the craft booths they used to have. I thought for sure, with this whole crafty fad, there would be a few more but maybe Makers Faire took them. Maybe Del Rio is just to far off in the sticks. However the food was great! I was truly surprised at the choices, really good food. The corn tortilla nopalito quesadillas were awesome! I tried my first funnel cake ever and now I want one every Saturday. I was never one for carnival food except cotton candy when I was younger and that went icky after five minutes. Actually I was never one for the lines, just too impatient. But I'm never passing on funnel cake again. I'll wait.

The photos look so patriotic, and my Grandfather is. My loyalties are with my Grandad who was one of the Blue Devils. He did return from war with a terrible wound and endured countless surgeries. I have always looked up to him. He has never let me down.