Every small southern town has some type of festival, Portland's just happens to be the Strawberry Festival. It has been going on for 69 years and some member of my family has been in attendance at just about every one of these events.
When I was little, I remember sitting at my Pa's service station watching the parade. We would move the two benches that were in front of the building to the road and watch. Many times my Dad would be driving the fire truck in the parade. From some reason I was scared to ride with him until I got older. But that never stopped my other cousins from riding!
Now that my Dad has a new building next to the old one my Pa worked in, we gather there every year to watch the parade. The gathering has grown by leaps and bounds. Last year we grilled out and had pork chops, hamburger, hot dogs, and all the fixings (baked beans, slaw, potato salad, etc). This year we decided to simplify: hot dogs, grilled bologna, chips, potato salad, and dessert. It was a big hit!
We had to clean up before the big day, so Thursday night two of my aunts and my Mom cleaned while my uncles and Dad sat in the back and relaxed!
After the parade it was time for everyone to take it easy and wait for traffic to clear up.
In fact Derrick took this a little too far . . .
Until Kelly decided he needed to take pictures of us. These were the best two. Trust me there were many, many more!
Everyone had a good time at the Strawberry Festival and left looking forward to next year!