If I tried to list all the activities, I would not have enough space. Event organizers have stuffed activities into every minute and vendors into every available space in New Carlisle.
I had a hard time deciding what event was the most exciting. Could it be the parade? ...The multiple Cruise Ins? ...The reclining chair races? ...The Kiddie Pedal Tractor Pull? ...The Blood Drive? ...the hot air balloon rides?
Parade organizer Sally Rateiri insists that it is the parade, which is much more than the unique airplane parade of the past. This year’s parade will also feature the Tecumseh Band, community floats, and 30 units of Shriners responding to a Potentate Call. The highlight will be a genuine Calliope.
“It is a major parade this year, the biggest ever,” said Rateiri who said she has been having a blast putting this extravaganza together since last fall.
Bring a comfortable chair because it should last an hour and a half. Really.
However, there is an event right after the parade that has me excited. It is something that links this festival with the granddaddy of all fall festivals – Octoberfest in Munich. And I’m not talking about the Beer and Brats tent. No.
I’m talking about the Chicken Dance.
The Chicken Dance has become an essential part of proms, weddings, and just about any large gathering in America. And it is, of course, a popular part of Octoberfests everywhere. This year the Chicken Dance becomes a huge part of this Festival.
On Saturday afternoon, immediately following the airplane parade, the familiar strains of the Chicken Dance will fill the streets of New Carlisle. The entire town, with all the visitors, will attempt to break the world record for number of people doing the Chicken Dance at the same time. The event is being sponsored by, who else but, Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken.
All I can say is, “WOW.”
What this mixed up, high anxiety world needs now is more people dancing together in the streets, and flapping their arms.
Yep. This is crazy. It is insane and I love it.
Heritage of Fight? Be there.
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