Holiday Americana and Your Kid’s First Competition

This fourth of July was filled with life's simple pleasures. You know, the stuff that noodads like us would not think up today. There were no iPhones, no GPS location devices or wireless connections involved. Just a series of "parades" complete with corny jokes supplied by our mayor and then old-fashioned, 8 lane, running races complete with ribbons for the heat winners.

The parades are fun. They start out with the dog parade in which kids who brought their dogs can parade them down a 100 yard course and back to the tune of applause from parents and other onlookers. The mayor announced that this year the Parade Rules Committee implemented a strict "5 second rule" on sniffing and that this was the first year that both live dogs and inanimate objects resembling dogs could participate. The dog parade was followed by the cat parade, the "other animal" parade, which somehow featured hermit crabs and guinea pigs and then the even that my kids were waiting for… the teddy bear parade.

Of course these little parades are mostly chaos from the actual parading to the handing out of the honorable mention ribbons, but the kids think it is a blast. Everyone (who was willing to wait in the humungous line) really enjoyed the free ice cream from one of the local legendary family restaurants and ice cream havens, Cabots as well as the juice boxen and candy provided by one of my favorite grocery stores, Trader Joe's.

After the parades come the races, where parents line up their kids, 8 lanes across and try to hold them back before releasing them on the starter's "Go!" About the only person who really takes these races seriously is the starter, who has been involved in the activity for the past 30 years or so. He is a great guy with a lot of patience and makes it a fun event for the kids. The first group was 3 year old girls. My 2 1/2 year old son and 4 year old daughter watched in anticipation as the 3 year olds ran like mini cheetahs. My son wanted to run, and although there technically was no category for him, we ran him in the 3 year old race. After the starter said "go" and my son was still standing at the starting line, I realized why there was no 2 year old group. He got smoked. He had no concept of competition, but I think he had fun running. I picked him up half way through the course and we went and got his sister, who was very much looking forward to her event.

Just before her heat, I reminded my daughter the things I have been teaching her during our Chutes and Ladders sessions. Winning is important, but being a good sport and a good competitor are more important. Try your best. If you lose, congratulate the winners and be determined to win the next time. If you win be gracious and enjoy the moment. She looked at me and said "OK daddy. I will." When the starter said "go", I had to remind her to go. The other girls got a good jump on her, but she ran her little heart out. She ran straight, with great form and she was moving as fast as I have ever seen her run. If I could have seen her face, I am sure it was filled with determination and maybe a little grit. She crossed the finish line completing her first organized competition. She did her best and I was one of the proudest dads at the event. "I tried to beat those other girls daddy. They were really fast." she said. "I know honey. You did great. I'm really proud of you for going out there and trying your best." I told her as I lifted her up and took her back to our chairs in the shade. "Now who is up for noodles and ice cream?" I asked.