Parada del Sol

The woman from whom we got last night’s terrific dinner recommendation tipped me off to a celebration taking place in downtown Scottsdale this morning: the Parada del Sol, which I’ve seen translated as a “walk in the sun” but which I think actually means “stopping of the sun.” (Maybe one of you native Spanish-speakers can help me out here…)

However you define it, the month-long event takes place annually in “The West’s Most Western Town,” and culminates in a parade along Scottsdale Road, featuring over 150 entries (including marching bands, floats, musicians and dancers) and nearly 1,000 horses, earning the Parada del Sol the distinction as the World’s Largest Horse Drawn Parade.

I didn’t have to meet J’s plane until 1, and besides, as well-documented in this blog, I love a parade. This town of a quarter-million people — 7th best place to lve in the country — did not disappoint. By Saturday at 10AM, the brightly sunny Old Town streets were lined with spectators: families and retirees, young couples with schoolchildren, gaggles of teenagers, more than a few cowboy hats… and me, clicking away.

Five judges were on hand to judge the entrants in categories including: authentic Western vehicle, honor guard, mounted Western group, musical marching group, nonmusical marching group, and school band.

Girl Scout cookies for sale! I could not pass up a box of Thin Mints – my favorite, and their best seller.

I did not stay through to the finale for the “Trail’s End” afterparty, featuring an art show, Old West gunfights, pony rides, and music performances. Off to the airport…