The proof

Not that I'm mentioning who the doubters are...

 Yes, that is the pace car in the scond photo, right behind us.  No, there is nobody else between us and the pace car.   

So, our 2009 Winchester Apple Blossom festival is over.  I think I can say we all had a good time and worked hard.  Richard and Michael spent a good chunk of time helping the Boy Scouts with their Parade seat fundraiser.  We participated in the races and saw the parades.  We never made it to the Circus or the Carnival this year.  The Sunday "Day in the Park" was pretty much rained out, although Richard still worked it as volunteer with the Knights of Columbus.

I love how this small town pulls together to put on such a wonderful seasonal celebration.  Although I keep saying that Winchester is a big city, bigger than they realize, they really do become a small town where everyone has to do their share when it comes to delivering this annual festival.  The organizers of the two races are friends of ours from church.  I knew band members from almost all of the dozen or so local bands that march in the parades.  Even the group home in my neighborhood manned a rest stop on the 10K.  (There's nothing like a big hug to keep you going on a tough run!)

I am still eagerly waiting for the opportunity to share our hometown festival with family or friends.  It's alway the first weekend in May.  There's room in our house for guests and the airport is only about an hour away.  Book your reservations now for next year!