A Shriner hands candy to an anticipant girl during the Four States Fair Parade on September 12th, 2015.
Garrett Griffin
The laughter of children and the sound of a distant siren signaled the beginning of the Four States Fair Parade on the morning of Saturday, September 12th, 2015. The anticipation in the young children hugging the shoulder-line on the street was palpable. A once-a-year event, many of these kids had been waiting all year to see this. The weather could not have been better, with a fall-like cold front having passed through the night before. The parade itself was a signal of the changing seasons and a sign-off for the long summer.
The parade began on Broad Street and made its way southwest before turning northwest onto Texas Boulevard. From there it turned northeast onto East 3rd Street and finally turned northwest onto Stateline Avenue as it made its way towards the Post Office. My perspective was from East 3rd Street across from the Perot Theater, one of the few places that offered shade to the parade participants.
The Red Lick & Hooks C-5, Brush 2 fire truck is driven through the Four States Fair Parade on September 12th, 2015.
The first members of the parade were police officers from both sides of the city driving their patrol cars with their lights flashing. Behind them were two members of the Miller County Sheriff’s Department driving their patrol cars. As they went by, the officers waved at the children as a sign of their duty to serve and protect their citizenry, a promise that many people believe has recently been broken. Parades like this can aid in rebuilding the trust between the police and the people. As no negativity was visible, the screams of joy and happiness from the children reinforced the positivity of the moment, indicating that the citizens were receptive.
The Air Force Junior ROTC representatives carry the United States, Texas & Arkansas flags during the Four States Fair Parade on September 12th, 2015.
Behind them were the Air Force Junior ROTC representatives carrying their banner and behind them an outfit of junior airmen was carrying the flags of both Texas and Arkansas with an American flag in the center. What proceeded was a celebration of all things that make the four states area a great place to call home. There were rodeo queens, marching bands, beauty pageant winners, vintage cars, motorcycle clubs, sports car clubs, jeep clubs, the Shriners in their mini-cars and even a live gospel band. Many local schools’ cheerleaders had floats with one group placing themselves on top of a color-coordinated yacht. At the end of the parade were three horses lead by their owners and a custom car with diamond-plate aluminum encasing its grill.
A shiny, burgundy hot rod cruises down East 3rd street during the Four States Fair Parade on September 12th, 2015.
Once the last car made its way towards the Post Office, the attendees quickly filed away to their vehicles and began to leave, albeit happier than when they arrived. It was a great beginning to the weeklong Four States Fair, one that could prove to be the best yet.