The announcer takes her seat at a building's high window looking down on the street. Stacy speaks into a microphone that booms her voice up and down the street.
Welcome to the first Winter Solstice Parade, brought to you by Tom-F Enterprises. Tom-F himself is the Grand Marshal of the parade today! Let's give a big hand for the man responsible for this great Solstice Celebration! I'll be your announcer for this occasion--so let the show begin!
And here they come, guys! The parade's starting!
There's Tom-F, but hey he's walking. What happened to the carriage? And my list says that should be Hawk "the heroine of the AK War" with him--who is it? Oh, ok. Guys, that's Tom-F and the blonde with him is Jade, the girl who worked like crazy to pull all your Solstice entertainment together! Let's hear it for Tom-F and Jade!
Ok, behind Tom-F we have the Fort River Marching Band. Dressed in sparkling red and blue uniforms. Hey, they look great! Listen as the band of 30 plays 20 different types of instruments!
Next is the float for Tom-F's Casino. Look at the show-girls dance! And that amazing golden cannon--blasting goodies outto the crowd! What is that, candy? Damn, wish I was down there! Anyway, be sure to stop by all of Tom F's fine establishments including the clubs and casinos. They're open 24/7 during Solstice!
Next we have...hmm. Ok, here's a little something for the guys--Madam Mona & her girls! Aren't those costumes great? Well, colorful anyway. Maybe a bit cold for some of those--is that girl at the back turning blue? Anyway, look for them in Tom-F's Casino!
Hey, look--it's Blood & his boys! The rebels with motorcycles. Word is they'll connect with the band Tribal Thunder for a song 'n stunt show later this afternoon. You'll definitely want to check that out!
Look in sky! It's a tribute to those amazing Birds that kept us safe when they helped us out in recent rough times. Wherever you are, Birds, you inspired these giant kites! Everybody give us a special hand for The Birds of Prey—We thank you!
Stacy pauses, making some hasty notes for the next Fort River News. The kids on the street below cheer the floats and scramble for the candy and other goodies being tossed into the crowd. Stacy puts her hand over the mic and shakes her head at the guy sitting beside her. "This is great & we're not even half done. Who in the world came up with this stuff?"
They flip! They bend! They stretch--and can you say "ouch"? Does that hurt? Wow, Guys, they're absolutely amazing! Yes it's the Fort River Acrobats! Flexibility is no factor for this bunch. Watch as they perform tricks, tumbles and twists that we can only dream of doing.
And here comes the outstanding Flag Team! Holding those poles and flags high, representing the symbols of our most well-known and loved tribes from across the city, as well as our allies in the recent battles. Hey, be respectful, guys! Some of those tribes were...well, were wiped out in all the fighting. They gave their all for Fort River. May we continue to stay united and strong!
A hush falls over the crowd as Stacy's words sink in. The kids don't necessarily want to be reminded, but they remember the Vixens, Manglers, Lost Boys and other tribes who were literally erased when the smoke cleared. The last flag through is a small Brotherhood banner. No one boos...
Ok, enough sadness already. Is it just me? Do I hear more than one time of music mixed? Yeah, I thought so! It's the Folk Dancers with an arrangement of choreographed worldly dances. Lots of fancy footwork, tradition, and fun! They'll be performing later near the river promenade. Hey, this is our heritage, guys! If we don't learn it and remember it, it all just disappears!
You've seen them earlier--on the beach, on Merchant Street, and wherever there was a crowd gathered. They continue to put smiles on our faces--The Clowns Tribe! Hey, the Clowns always know how to get a laugh from kids of all ages with their jokes and silly antics! Give them a big hand--better yet, a big laugh!
Now here's one you definitely don't see every day, Guys. Straight out of the wild life! It's "Kingdom Kid Critters," otherwise known as the Zoo Tribe. Led by King Safy & Queen Katara, they remind all of us to love animals and take care them! This is truly one of the most exotic floats in the parade today. Look closely, and you'll see the most largest snake of all being carried by three tribe mates!
My list says the next float is courtesy of Shadow and The Way! They certainly look like they're having a lot of fun up there! And hey--more candy! Do we have any dentists left in this city? Haha! Anyway, be sure to stop by The Way booth on Merchant Street or over on the beach. Find out what all the excitement is about.
The Puppet Master is here! Now this is really cool, Guys. How in the world does he control those three very large giant puppets at once? It's freakishly amazing! They look like actual humans...you sure they're not? Scary! See you later, Puppet Master!
Last but certainly not least--They're the most colorful bunch you're gonna see during the whole Solstice. Give a big round of applause for The Painted People! Some painted up as leafs and flowers, and others as the sky and constellations! Truly a sight to see! Is it body paint? Tattoos? Do we care? We just love their beautiful body art and silent dramatic poses. Each and every body tells a story!
That's it, Guys! The Winter Solstice Parade! Thanks to every one who participated! We love you!
I've been asked to remind you all that Blood's Bike Show starts in an hour on the beach near the bandstand. And for all you lucky VIPs, the private lunch at Tom-F's club will start in 30 minutes. There's music at the bandstand, great food and drinks at the booths, and game of chance under the Blue Cabana. Still a lot of Solstice left to celebrate, so don't go home just yet! Happy Solstice!
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-Chyna
Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"
The Mega Award
Behind the Scenes: "Bray Award"
