As I was headed on my journey, I discovered an event that was going to be taken place in my neighborhood. In the parking lot behind the Hyde Park Bank people began to gather. I was curious as to what. Soon, I was approached by a man named John who asked me if I wanted to get my bike decorated. I asked, “what for?” He explained to me that the 4th on 53rd, a parade for the neighbors in Hyde Park was going to be taken place. I asked, “Can I be in it?” He assured me I could. Now I’ve never been in a parade before. I thought it would be fun. Sometimes in life you have to be a participant rather than view it from the outside looking in. 

My decorated parade bike

People get ready, there’s a parade that’s coming….

“What are all these people doing?”

“Mom, you strapped this is a little too tight”

“Beep beep, I’m leading the parade this year”

“It’s a PARADE!!! didn’t you get the memo?”

A man practicing with the marching band at the 4th on 53rd parade.

Woman getting ready for the 4th on 53rd Hyde Park Parade.

Man dressed up to participate in the 4th on 53rd Hyde Park Parade.