To the Editor:

My roommate and I took in the parade Saturday, May 16. I was very disappointed. There were two floats, LOTS of vehicles (semi-trucks, fire trucks, business vehicles), one horse group (thank you, St. Paul Rodeo), one school band (thank you, Jefferson) and politicians (Kevin Mannix named, but not in the vehicle that represented him), two Hispanic groups in full regalia (I don’t know the group names, but thank you). 

What happened to bands from McNary/North/South/West Salem, and where were the horse club groups and other rodeos besides St. Paul? Where were floats from organizations representing causes like BCSG, Shriners, Lions Club, Elks? 

All in all, the parade was disappointing. 

So, instead of complaining, I should get on the team that organizes the parade, right? Where do I sign up? I will follow up with a call to the folks representing Keizer and putting on this event. Also, the event at Keizer Rapids Park: when I walked into the tent where there had been live music, it was “dead” and a man I spoke with told me the rides concessions were closing early, at 3 p.m., instead of staying till 5 p.m. and that that was hurting them all. 

The art walk was great – well represented. Thank you, artists. 

–Linda L. Dunn, Keizer

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