Highlight of the Summer in the Cove

Growing up, my family attended a Fourth of July parade in Osceola Mills, where my dad grew up. When I described preparation for this year’s Ag Parade to my mom, she said it sounded like the Osceola Mills parade: people look forward to it all year, they lay their seats out in advance, and it’s the highlight of their summer.

I have many fond memories of this Osceola Mills parade (upon looking it up, the parade is actually part of the yearly Fireman’s Fair, put on by Columbia Volunteer Fire Company. This year’s celebration was the 100th anniversary). My grandparents, who lived in Osceola Mills, moved to Florida almost 10 years ago, and I haven’t been to a parade since.

As the editor of the Morrisons Cove Herald in 2021, I knew I would have to stay late on parade night so that we could get pictures in that week’s edition. It became clear to me that this would be a yearly occurrence, as the parade is always on a Tuesday, which is our production day.

Last year, I sat in the old Herald office alone and listened to the fire trucks, tractors and parade goers outside.

This year, Pam had other plans.

For those who do not know, Pam is the Herald’s circulation manager. If you call the Herald, you likely hear our chipper and helpful Pam on the line.

Pam asked the office a few months ago if anyone would be interested in being in the parade, which she had participated in during her tenure at C&S Markets.

I’ve never been in a parade, and I’m always down for a group activity, so I was on board. We all thought it would be a fun internship experience for Duncan, who is with us for the summer. Staff Writer Rick Boston knew his daughter Olivia would be happy to help. The Herald’s van driver, Craig, agreed to drive. Our ragtag team of paraders was created.

Pam took care of the candy and all the planning. She knew exactly when we should leave and where we should go. For days – now weeks – after, I referred to Pam as “our superstar.” Throughout the parade, she not only ran around handing out candy, she gave out hugs to old customers and old friends. It was heartwarming, and to me, the reason for the parade: everyone comes together.

While my favorite part of the parade was seeing all the kids, I didn’t lose sight of the best kid, who was right by my side the whole time. Olivia Boston was a trooper. She kept up with us through the route and made sure people on both sides were getting candy. She was impossibly better at running a float than I was. I couldn’t be more grateful for Livy’s help.

I truly believe Pam and Livy are an unstoppable force, and the Herald is lucky to have them on our team.

When I saw all the kids lining the streets with their bags and buckets for candy, I was brought back to the Osceola Mills parade: we used to do the very same, and this is where my love for Frooties – especially the blue ones – originated. It was a highlight of the year – a midsummer Halloween, where I had candy saved for weeks after.

I can’t describe the joy I felt being a small part of others’ yearly highlight. Seeing all the kids – and many, many excited adults – waving, smiling and thanking us for candy, gave me everything I needed to ensure my participation in the parade next year.

Now that the Herald has established our involvement, the Ag Parade will be a highlight of my summer as well.

I’m hoping next year we’ll have more candy (We ran out! Eek!), more helpers, more pictures, and even more fun.