Parade caps Bangor Fun Daze

It was just after noon on Sunday in the remote town of Bangor, Wisconsin. Thick clouds held the blue sky captive, and a cool August day was a welcomed friend for all the residents and visitors alike. They were all awaiting the Bangor Fun Daze parade to begin. Commercial street was lined with parents and children, as was Bangor street. Whispers circulated amongst the kids about candy and treats that were forthcoming … expectations were high for a good grab.

The parade started with a police escort, followed by the American Legion Color Guard. A Bangor Veterans float followed and was being serenaded by the Bangor High School Band, who was in tow.

A train engine, decked out on tiny American flags, rolled through the streets, apparently not needing the tracks it actually would crossover by the Village Inn. A float full of young girls, titled “Little Miss Bangor,” cruised by, with all the youngsters dressed in pink.

Many Lions Club floats went by, including “Stuff the Bus,” a project designed to get school supplies for local students who may not be able to afford the items on their own. Lion of the year, Monica Chapiewsky, rolled by on a fancy blue, three-wheeled vehicle.

Bangor First Responders had a vehicle as well as current responders walking and throwing candy to the youth. 4-H floats were in the parade, and there were even horses being ridden and someone dressed as a gargantuan chicken. Butterfest, out of Sparta, went by in a stunning float, headed by Lady Butterfest-Jenny Lydon, and Fest Master-Steve Schauf.

Miss Mindoro floated through on a purple-colored wagon, surrounded by her court. Trempealeau and La Crosse were represented by their perspective royals as well.

Ellie Viera, from Onalaska, was on Commercial street watching over Reese Kaiser, Audrina Mattie and Cataleya Blank as they popped out into the street to retrieve candies being tossed out by the truck loads.

Up on Bangor street,  the canine duo of Zion and Roxy enjoyed the parade too, as well as all of the extra attention and petting. It was the perfect weather for the dogs and comfortable temperatures for the humans as well. The parade brought a lot of joy and happiness to those watching and those participating. As the fire engines rolled through at the tail-end of the parade, parents picked up blankets, folded chairs and walked with their children back home, or to their vehicles. The kids enjoyed sorting through and counting the eclectic candy. Another joyful event was officially in the books.