Creede on July Fourth

24 July 2008 - We were scheduled to work one of our two '5 hour days' on the 4th of July plus we were driving back from Monte Vista after our parting visit with the kids but were told we should definitely not miss the parade in town so we got up early and drove back. A friend we had met invited us to join her for the best seat in the house for the parade so we relaxed and enjoyed the day. The county population is around 450 (year round residents) and the attendance for the parade is estimated to be over 10,000! Can you imagine? I wasn't sure I believed that until I saw the crowd in the street and now I am a believer. They started getting in place 2 hours before the parade and filled the streets as they found first a parking space and then a favorite spot for their chairs. As you can see it was pretty much an old time parade with no fancy floats but lots of participants and fun for all ages. The last shot attempts to capture the size of the crowd.