The 25th Suwanee Day Festival kicked off with the traditional parade. As a long time resident of Suwanee - 21 years to be exact, but first time volunteer, I awoke at 5:45 a.m. to start my day. After a quick detour for my morning brew at Starbuck's, I found my way to the back parking lot of Suwanee Town Center - still half asleep! I parked my car and walked a respectable distance along Buford Hwy. in the dark (a risk I was willing to take....) and arrived promptly to my destination on Main Street in Historic Suwanee at 7 a.m. as instructed!
Once I received my t-shirt marking me as an "official" volunteer and given my assignment, I was off and running. Fortunately it wasn't too taxing of a responsibility and I had plenty of good company. In short, as the parade participants filtered in, we directed them to their place in the parade's procession. And, come they did! Floats of every design found their place in line preparing to travel through the streets of downtown Suwanee: Pawplex of Suwanee participated bringing along several of their adorable four-legged friends, North Gwinnett Marching Band, Peachtree Ridge High school pageant winners, Sugar Hill Methodist Veterans, Brownie Girl Scout Troop #1214, Riverside Elementary and many, many more.
Once everyone was in place and all were accounted for, it was off to the races (well,...may be a slow procession is more appropriate) at 9:45 a.m. - just as scheduled: Along Main Street, down Russell Road, North on Buford Hwy to Lawrenceville-Suwanee and back to Main Street where they started. The streets were lined with children of all ages with smiles and laughter echoing through the morning air. As the parade found its way back down Main Street, organized chaos ensued as everyone began to disassemble and make their way to Suwanee Town Center where the festival was kicking off - for the 25th year in a row.
There was no mistaking the day's event for anyone who drove by the Town Center located at the corner of Buford Hwy. and Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road. The Park was adorned in white tents where crafters displayed their wares and food carts lined the streets. Children could be seen running from one place to another in laughter as they enjoyed the rock climbing wall as well as a myriad of rides and games clearly intended for the enjoyment of kids of all ages. And, music filled the air from the amphi-theatre through-out the day with a wonderful skit performed by the knights from Medieval Times. The day was topped off with country music later in the evening and a fireworks display.
A long day indeed...but fun it was!!!!
