Arroyo Seco 4th of July Parade – My Shot of the Day, July 7, 2014

The best show for many, many, many miles around is the Arroyo Seco 4th of July Parade in the little village of Arroyo Seco just north east of Taos.

Beginning at 12 pm sharp, this annual parade is considered the quirkiest of the area’s offerings with unexpected floats and unusual costumes. Its participants proudly display their personal philosophies and political persuasions in an often humorous manner to the adoring crowds. The best people-watching is right here. Parking is limited, so come early! Festivities run from 10 am until 4 pm along the main thoroughfare, Hwy 150.

The Arroyo Seco 4th of July parade always makes me so proud to be a Taoseño. As with every place, we have our problems to be sure. Overall, however, we are an open and diverse community of multiple languages and multiple histories. We are a very talented, intelligent, generally tolerant community, accepting of various viewpoints and lifestyles. We are an wild mash of people and we generally take care of one another and respect one another. We are silly, ecclectic and bizarre, lovers of the guitarron and green chile smothered tamales.

I was so proud when, right in the middle of the parade a same-sex marriage went off to the cheer of thousands! Congratulations guys! That is an example of real freedom and our community supports that.

Just after the parade ended we had ice cream and walked around just saying hi to friends. This lovely lady picked the right place, making the perfect picture.

Tomorrow, the kids and I leave on a camping road trip up through Colorado ending at a family reunion in Estes Park!  Then they are off to Finland.  I don’t fly out until August 1. Fun times ahead and hopefully some great Colorado photos.

Finally… be sure to check out the latest issue of Vrai Magazine!

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