Panguitch

One of the joys of traveling the country is partaking in community celebrations, especially in the Summer. On this Independence Day, we traveled 22 miles to the northwest to celebrate with the people of Panguitch, Utah. This tiny town of 1,600 serves as an outpost for visitors to Bryce Canyon National Park and points east. Today it was host to a Fourth of July parade we will never forget.

As we found our way to the parade route, we passed by Quilt Walk Park. As local legend has it, during one particularly harsh winter during Panguitch's formative years (in the 1860s) seven brave men left the community in search of provisions in surrounding communities. Heavy snow forced the men to abandoned their wagons. Instead, they traveled on foot, laying one quilt after another on the snow to maintain their footing. The park memorializes their efforts, and includes a bench dedicated to each man. The city hosts a Quilt Walk Festival each June, which we just missed.

The Panguitch parade got underway with an enthusiastic presentation of the colors by family members of our nation's troops.

Especially today, we're so thankful their daddy is protecting our freedom and our nation.

Nothing about this parade was fancy. These ATVs were the closest thing to a float. Though they were simple, they were quite festive.

Every kid in Panguitch was in the parade. Or, so it seemed. These two were having a great time.

Just about the time we were wondering if we'd see any horses in this parade, along came a dog wearing a saddle, riding in an ATV. His chauffeur was throwing candy.

Every parade has to have horses and pretty girls. This one had exactly three girls on two horses. It was their job to bring up the rear of the parade.

But wait. There's more! We noticed that none of the spectators were moving. And, we wondered why. A few minutes later, the parade came through once more. That's right. They got to the end of the route and turned around. We got two parades for the price of one. And, we were sure not to miss a thing.

No Shriners on scooters, but this little girl had a couple of flags flying from her pretty pink scooter.

At some point, we weren't sure which direction to look. The parade participants were going every which way. But, they were all having fun.

Kids. Dogs. Balloons. What else does a parade need?

Here come the ATVs again. Seriously, folks. You have seen just about the entire parade. And, it lasted just about as long as it's taken you to read this post.

This cute little guy was the last participant to pass by. And, with that, the Panguitch parade was in the books.

Back at our rolling home, Paul prepared an All-American dinner of brats and fixins. Later, under comfortably cool starlit skies, we enjoyed Ruby's fantastic fireworks display just steps away from our site.

We hope everyone enjoyed a safe and happy holiday.