July 10, 2008

Love a parade

Montevideo neighborhood hosts 40th annual parade

Noah and his wife, along with two giraffes wave to the crowds during the 40th annual Montevideo July 4 Parade. Photos by Carol Rosen

By Carol Rosen
Editor

Those of us that love parades, and who doesn’t, got a real treat on July 4 when the Montevideo neighborhood put on its 40th annual Independence Day parade.

It was everything a parade should be and more, with floats, music and enough enthusiasm to create smiles on the most cynical faces. Children and adults, dancing and singing made the parade sparkle, and some special guests showed up too.

Noah and his wife arrived in their ark; Paul Revere, without the Raiders, and Jimmy Hendrix were playing their guitars and singing on another float; Ali Baba and his 40 thieves also were there—this time selling oil and gasoline; Ronald McDonald and his crew including lettuce, fries and even the Hamburglar also attended; there was a giant 40th birthday cake; and a whole bunch of pirates as well as adults and kids dressed in pajamas.

The Big Mac appears much larger than usual. It had more than a couple of patties too as those on Lower Puerto Vallarta Drive sang the Big Mac Song.

The first float contained the parade’s grand marshals, which included everyone who has lived in the Montevideo neighborhood for 40 years or more—some of whom did not appear to be even 40 years old. They were followed by Boy Scout Pack 231, carrying flags and riding bikes and also throwing candy at the people lined up on the street to watch.

This year’s theme was 40, because it was the parade’s 40th birthday. The overall winner was Noah’s Ark from Montalban Drive. Besides the ark with Noah sporting an awfully long beard were two giraffes whose heads moved in time to the swaying ark. All kinds of animals showed up in twos, of course, from bunnies to pigs, from kittens to lions and from bears to honey bees. There was dancing and a chorus of “Singing in the Rain” complete with animals, umbrellas and raindrops falling from a hose. It also won an award for best design.

Second place overall went to Upper Puerto Vallarta Drive with Woodstock, which also turns 40 this summer. This float was surrounded by a bunch of adults and kids all wearing tie-dyed T-shirts, some of whom were lifting and lowering a multi-colored parachute. They also sang and danced to “the Age of Aquarius.” It also won in the most entertaining category.

Third place overall went to Monteverde Drive’s Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves. This group had three floats, one containing a giant spitting cobra, which proceeded to come out of its basket spitting water on the crowd—including the judges. That was followed by a cave, which opened to “Open Sesame” to let out thieves bearing numbers—Thief #4, for example—followed by a gas station float with barrels of oil touting the purchase of SUVs so the thieves can sell us oil. It also won best adaptation of theme.

The grand marshals at the 40th annual Montevideo July 4 parade all have lived in the area for 40 years or more. Photos by Carol Rosen

Fourth place overall went to Lower Puerto Vallarta Drive and its 40th anniversary of the Big Mac. This float had a number of people dressed as everything McDonalds from lettuce to onions, a sesame seed bun, fries and a shake. It also had the biggest Big Mac anyone has ever seen containing at least four all beef patties, made from paper of course. The Puerto Vallartains were great at lining up and singing “two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese on a sesame seed bun.” This float also won best costumes.

The four other streets participating also won prizes. Oak Canyon won most creative for its 40 Winks under the Oak Tree. The Swim Team won most enthusiastic for its Pirates and Piranhas. Best music went to Montellano Drive for its 40th birthday theme—they also won the best bribe to the judges for handing out yummy cupcakes. Monteval Lane won most original for its Top 40 float.