Klondike Kates

"In 1971 the Saint Paul Jaycee’s held the first Annual Klondike Kate contest. Every year, up to 10 women compete for this title, but only one will be chosen. Originally, the reigning Klondike Kate performed alone. But as years went by, the character of Kate became so flamboyant and dynamic that she became more and more in demand. It then became a group effort so that many more of the requested demands for appearances could be fulfilled. Former Klondike Kates, who are members of the Royal Order of Klondike Kates, perform along side the new Kate to create memories from the Gold Rush era of our country."

SOURCE: KlondikeKates.org

Cruising Main Street

Back on July 4th, I posted a close up photo of a very patriotic couple wearing red, white and blue outfits to celebrate the occasion. Today I'm showing you the vehicle they were traveling in during Afton's 4th of July parade.

Happy Birthday America!

Happy Independence Day to all my fellow Americans....I captured this photo exactly one year ago and have waited all year just to post this on the 4th of July.

Vulcan Krewe

The Saint Paul Vulcan Krewe is a tradition of the St Paul Winter Carnival held each year. The king of the Vulcans is King Boreas Vulcanus Rex and dates back to 1886. The Vulcans are prominent at many events in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas held through out the year, up to 400 events per year. I typically see them at parades where they leave their trademark black grease "V" on the parade onlookers. In the past, the Vulcans would mark the parade viewers with a "V" on their faces. Many people would flee during their walk through the streets but the brave would stand proudly and get the marking from the Krewe.

  

How To Capitalize On Parade Candy

I must hand it to this kid, this is a very creative idea on getting a ton of candy from a parade. It's simple, it's fun, it's challenging for those in the parade throwing candy to those along the parade route. I watched several floats and vehicles from the Afton 4th Of July parade that were tossing candy to the curb, stop and throw several pieces of candy onto his candy game board. A few stopped until they scored points! There was no need for him to dash into the street to collect the treats as they all were throw directly to him. It was a brilliant invention!

Afton 4th Of July Parade

One of the events held each year on the 4th of July is the parade in Afton, Minnesota. I've spent the last four to five years at the parade with my family. It's a rather unique parade, the floats, cars and all of those in the parade travel down the road like all other parades do. When they get to the end of the route, they turn around and travel back to the beginning. So you more or less get to see the parade twice. I'm unsure of the reason behind it, but it stands out none the less.