No parade

I tried my best to wake up early enough to attend the parade, however, I overslept. Oh well.

Big Saturday

The biggest day in Laredo is finally here. The big, big Saturday. I'll try to make it and post some pics from all the happenings.

The Parade

by Maria C.

Parades and me go a loooooong way back. I remember in Head-Start I was asked to dress up as Aunt Jemima and walk in the youth parade. I dunno what the purpose of the character was, but they wanted me to dance around and be ‘lively’. If you know me well enough, you know lively is not a word used to describe me. So suffice it to say I did not participate. That was the beginning and the end of my career in the parade-walking business. 

But I was an avid spectator. My mother would wake us up early Saturday morning; we’d drag our chairs, coolers, and blankets over to some empty space next to Martin High and we’d wait. Dad and Mom would sit on their chairs, while my brothers and I would sit on the curb eating our warm tacos and grumbling about how early and how freakin’ cold it was. It didn’t help that we didn’t care who the business people on the first couple of cars were. But when the floats would start coming out in full force, that’s when we’d wake up and start trying to catch the candy, beads, and toys that were being tossed at us. 

 It was our yearly tradition to be present for Laredo’s Grand Parade. Until recently, that tradition had faded away but I want my daughter to enjoy the same kinda childhood I had. So for the past three years, it’s been my mission to make sure to attend the parade. I make tacos like my mami used to. I bundle up mija in warm layers and nag my brothers until they have no choice but to join us. We’ve gotten a bit wiser since our younger years and we set up our chairs right after work Friday afternoon.

El desfile is always an awesome time to share with family and friends and this year is looking to be no exception. So go out and have some fun. Just be careful with those flying trinkets; they kinda hurt if they knock you on the head (yes, I talk from firsthand experience).

LCC Fun Fest

Here are several pics from the Fun Fest. Sorry for the poor quality. I was trying not to get noticed.

JalaPeno Festival

 Here is a little secret that I will share with you faithful reader, but only you. I am a "Jalapeno Festival" virgin. I've never been to one. I hang my head in shame and disgust. Pity me please.

Maybe this is my year. Maybe this year I will go and be counted as a true Laredoan.
 
Changuitos.

Moving my Kool-Aid

You Don't have to drink my Kool-Aid, but don't move it from place either. I hate it when HEB moves the groceries around. Me pierdo.

Suicide at the Carnival

Suicide Nite

by Maria C

The carnival's in town. The first night it's open is usually known as 'suicide night'. I remember I used to beg my parents to let me go. I so wanted to be there to test drive the rides. There was something so mystical about signing a waiver releasing the carnival from any responsibility for the loss of my life. The darned bracelet was only $15 for all the rides I could handle. It was awesome! Unfortunately, I was never allowed to go. I guess I should be thanking my parents but I wish I had been there at least once on the opening night. I could've said I 'survived' the carnival. Pero nada.

I would get on some pretty big rides as a youngster. My tia would make us a ginger root tea to drink before we'd head out to tackle the rides. The tea was really nasty but it would supposedly help settle our stomaches. I guess it did because after some six rides, we were still going strong. We were some troopers. But I can't say the same for my poor mother. During one particular year, my cousins weren't in town to accompany me on the rides and my brothers are big wimps. My mom took on the role of 'partner-in-crime' for the night. I ended the night fine but she didn't get the memo on the ginger root. She did not have a good night. Some random street curb also ended up having a bad night.

I always look forward to the carnival, even though it ain't the same. I don't get on the rides anymore cuz my equilibrium is not what it used to be. Still, the whole atmosphere is so electric. It's so nice to see the kids get on rides and have them think that these are the only roller-coasters life will offer them. Ha. But go out and enjoy the event. Bring me back a candy apple on the way out. They're the best.