Boots and roots on display at Athol Daze parade
HAILEY HILL | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 months AGO
Lucia Thomason and her horse were decked out All-American style as they paraded down Highway 54 on Saturday morning.
HAILEY HILL/Press
Romana Grissom and Jack Thomason show off their American spirit during the Athol Daze Parade.
The ladies of the Athol Grandmother's Club smile and wave to the families along the parade route.
Classic cars were make their way down the Athol Daze parade route.
Adalynn and Walter Syth show off their candy haul after the parade, but Walter is a bit preoccupied with his popsicle given to him by the fire department.
Several fire engines showed their American pride through flags honoring the country, our veterans and first responders.
ATHOL — Hometown parades mean something a little different for everyone. For Doug Barker, Saturday’s Athol Daze parade was all about American pride.
“I love seeing all the old cars, and the all-American freedom atmosphere of Athol, Idaho. Athol never gives up on our freedom,” Barker said.
Barker wasn’t the only one feeling the American spirit. American flags were a centerpiece of many parade floats. They flew high from the backs of fire engines, classic cars, and ATVs, and even the horses donned red-white-and-blue tinsel.
Many local groups made appearances in the parade, including the Athol Grandmothers’ Club, the 40-Something Cowgirls, and Technique Gymnastics. This years’ sponsors included Athol Baptist Church, Grease Monkey, and Idaho Guns and Outdoors.
Hazy skies didn’t deter hundreds of families and community members from coming out to watch the procession mosey down Highway 54 in Athol, many in western wear to match this year’s theme, “Athol Roots and Cowboy Boots.”
“It’s a beautiful day. Couldn’t be happier,” said Clay Howland.
For the kids, the parade was all about catching as much candy being tossed from the parade floats as possible. Many came prepared with plastic grocery bags to hold their loot.
Adalynn and Walter Syth were more than happy to show off their spoils after the parade.
“We got a ton of candy!” Adalynn exclaimed. Walter seemed pretty satisfied with his candy haul, too — but he was too busy enjoying the popsicle given to him by a firefighter to comment.
After the procession arrived at City Park, Athol Daze celebrations continued throughout the day with live music, kids’ games, local vendors and the popular “Money in the Straw” event. The annual bed races as well as lawnmower races were held in the afternoon.
Romana Grissom and Jack Thomason show off their American spirit during the Athol Daze Parade.
The ladies of the Athol Grandmother's Club smile and wave to the families along the parade route.
Classic cars were make their way down the Athol Daze parade route.
Adalynn and Walter Syth show off their candy haul after the parade, but Walter is a bit preoccupied with his popsicle given to him by the fire department.
Several fire engines showed their American pride through flags honoring the country, our veterans and first responders.