Hats off to Hayden Days
HAILEY HILL | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 months AGO
HAYDEN — While Connie and Glen Lussier enjoyed the procession that cruised down Government Way on Saturday morning, their true joy came from watching their two granddaughters take it all in.
“Love the looks on their faces,” Glen said.
Maddie, 6, and Freya, 2, waved to each parade entry as they collected candy tossed by local businesses and organizations.
They donned pink firefighter hats given to them by Northern Lake Fire District and were especially thrilled to see Smokey Bear, a crowd favorite.
“We’re just having fun, making memories,” Connie said.
Like the couple and their granddaughters, hundreds of people came out to enjoy the yearly Hayden Days parade as it traveled from Hayden Avenue to Honeysuckle Avenue.
The parade is a highlight of the annual Hayden Days celebration. Festivities also included a pancake breakfast hosted by NLFD, a classic car show and the "Hayden's Got Talent" competition. Live music and local vendors additionally made McIntire Family Park a community hotspot to gather on both Friday and Saturday.
This year also marked the city's 70th birthday.
The parade started off with a flyover by No Limits Aviation. Boy Scout Troop 911 led the procession as flag bearers, just before grand marshal Robert Martin cruised by in the back of a convertible.
Mayor Alan Davis and other city officials also waved to the crowds and tossed candy to expectant children under the summer sun.
Spotlight Studios and Technique Gymnastics both put on impressive performances, with Spotlight pulling off show-stopping aerial displays as they made their way down the route.
Though every entry represented a part of Hayden’s tight-knit community, the crowd erupted in clapping and cheering as NLFD engines and first responders brought up the tail end of the procession.
Many could be heard shouting “thank you” as the firefighters went by.
“They’re heroes in this community,” said resident Catherine Morten.
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