The State of Michigan has canceled their annual parade for 2007, so I put the word out to find a parade we could particpate in, and lcamino1984 stepped up to the plate!

I just spoke with the organizers, and we have been welcomed to participate in the Village of Middleville, MI, Memorial Day Parade (http://www.middleville.govoffice.com/index.asp?Type=B_EV&SEC=%7B357D024D-E3A7-45EC-84A7-1EBFAFF28862%7D&DE=%7BEA8A113A-C5F7-4DEB-B02E-3A48BC09ADFE%7D), Monday, May 28, 2007.

Here is a map of the route. (http://www.mapquest.com/directions/main.adp?go=1&do=nw&rmm=1&un=m&qc=Schools+%28K-12%29&cl=EN&qq=1ADqpk24ofBjOvyL2FGh5dwJv0crPOut4jE%252bczL8f1J %252bvLJOHlZUy57ERY0Iew3h1Gmd7B5RYm57Z%252fNvfDYSC 448b6skoFr0aqkoc6g%252bpMkmUk1wRcuRStt1Gj2dMa%252b hwQpqs3i6Z4RqOe0DJOd3UL%252funZ%252bHu1gF1IjRFV3wJ vk6goGTXMGPVoifBVky9vUE6jDihDDf%252bSqLyo4adyPH7uG ZVgz2vMZiIDfSIrILaoNs%252f76gf48pe%252flzNJGUgi6Bl D%252f7pLuNs4Usm8udExaLfCBzkvSctaNmja%252b0EyQftYD Z6QLSyDEWzD%252fzMbyvyOBPU%252f%252bPiEhdO12aWGa83 F4VmhpkJAK6OiBbNFGKZejEH9UoXG2xV1nzGGI35%252faSU%2 52fwAJfU5P0YS%252bo967pinHNQnH5pvYNe36cErvyvNLANfJ %252b4W5DsNCIylS1RZoU9XSu58XjfibIHdxE%252fXy0wNMsx pgaXmVCLsgoPzmCGBk22YFIx0eS0Zjycidg%253d%253d&ct=NA&q=McFall+School&rsres=1&1y=US&1ffi=1&1l=RCVFWjzS2EbBiHPnR8pXYg%253d%253d&1g=oAMRcxPuPRA%252fU8zaLeGDxw%253d%253d&1pl=269-795-3637&1v=ADDRESS&1n=&1pn=Mc+Fall+Elementary+School&1a=509+W+Main+St&1c=Middleville&1s=MI&1z=49333&2y=US&2ffi=&2l=&2g=&2pl=&2v=&2n=&2pn=&2a=IRVING+RD+%26+E+MAIN+ST&2c=MIDDLEVILLE&2s=MI&2z=49333&panelbtn=2)

What is nice about this location (South of Grand Rapids) is that it is just as accesible to members from Ft. Wayne, as it is from Detroit, so this truly is a regional event!

In past parades, I have created a "mini float" based on the theme of the parade. Middleville does not pick a theme each year (other than honoring veterans) so if anyone has a idea for the float, please let me know.

After the ceremonies, we will be heading over to lcamino1984 (Brian McKinley's) place for burgers, dogs! To make it easier on Brian, please bring a cooler with your choice of beverage(s).

If you would like to participate, or have any questions, send me a PM no later than Sunday, May 20 (one week prior to the event), at which time I can make the determination if we have enough members to participate!

In case you missed them, here are links to the 2005 Sumpter Parade (http://elcaminocentral.com/gallery-album_album366.html), 2006 Sumpter Parade (http://elcaminocentral.com/gallery-album_album394.html) and 2006 Michigan Parade (http://elcaminocentral.com/modules.php?set_albumName=2006_Michigan_Parade__La nsing%2CMI&op=modload&name=Gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php)

Hope to see you there!

The parade will travel on Main Street East cross M-37 stop at Thornapple River Bridge for special ceremony and Fly Over. A wreath will be tossed off the bridge to honor our maritime veterans. A Minister will speak, and the band will play "Eternal Father" and taps echo.

The parade will proceed to Sheridan and end at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Ladies Auxiliary and American Legion will place a wreath and the band will play the National Anthem. Local Civil Air Patrol fly-over. 3 round volley salute with taps echo ending at approximately 12:30 PM.

What better way to honor our veterans?

And don't forget our own burger and dogs cookout after!

I need to communicate with the Parade organizers today (May 21) whether we have enough participants to represent a national organization. Please let me know if you can join us!

9439 of you missed out on a great event! The other five of us had a wonderful time:

Dennis Mykols
Rob Morton
Steve Frey
Thomas Hendershot
Brian McKinley (Two El Caminos!)

Six El Caminos going down main street as the main attraction is certainly a sight to behold!

http://elcaminocentral.com/albums/album460/MIDDLEVILLE09.sized.jpg
Here are some photos of the fun you guys missed! (http://elcaminocentral.com/gallery-album_album460.html)

Moderator note: I moved this from another thread.

ya know,,funny thing, reminds me of that scene in "dazed and confused" when the 2 kids are trying to get out of class early to avoid being paddled by the seniors. they asked the teacher about leaving early and he says...."it's just like my sargeant said when we were leaving on a mission, MEN!!! 50 of ya are going on a mission.........25 of ya aint comin back.... i just like how that was posted 9*** of you missed out the other 5 of us had a great time! :lol:

uh yeah...sorry bout that! when i tried to submit it to the thread, it somehow just vanished, and i never seen it again. so i thought there was some weird glitch so i pretty dismissed it, thanks though.