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July 10, 2005
Talcott Provides Perfect Weather for John Henry Days Parade
by David M. Kinchen
Editor, Huntington News Network
Talcott, WV (HNN) –To a veteran bad rat, going back a half century ago, parades today lack a certain something– high school marching bands. Where are the bands of yesteryear?
Gone to gray hair everywhere! I can still feel the weight of my all brass Sousaphone on shoulders chosen by the Rochelle (Ill.) Township High School band director for that very purpose. I also played trombone in my first year in the band, before those shoulders were noticed.
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The John Henry Days parade here Saturday morning, July 9, 2005 is a case in point. It had everything – but music from marching bands. From Summers County Sheriff Garry Wheeler in his intimidating black Mercury squad car to the horses at the end of the parade – including one horse pictured here with the map of West Virginia on its neck – the parade had everything – but the music.
Parade Marshal U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall, D– WV, rode in a trim little horse– drawn buggy driven by Summers County Librarian Myra Ziegler. Myra and David Ziegler are among the transplants to Hinton who have a farm in addition to their in– town house. Motor scooter riders from Charleston's Beni Kedem Shriners provided comic relief, with big Shriners dominating little maroon scooters.
Secretary of State Betty Ireland was in the parade, along with municipal, county and state legislators. Many children participated, because a parade is perfect entertainment for kids.
The weather was perfect, like a June day in southern California, with overcast skies until the haze burned off. Temps were in the 70s and the rains of Tropical Storm Cindy were a distant memory.
