Remember the Kiddie Parade? I do!

After decades and decades, it fizzled in 2009.

At a recent meeting of the Lodi-Tokay Rotary Club, someone asked Lodi Downtown Business Partnership Executive Director Jaime Watt what happened to the Kiddie Parade?

I was surprised when she said it wasn't lack of entries. The parade just didn't draw a crowd. Too bad, because we've lost a tradition that has spanned generations. 

My kids were in the Kiddie Parade, back in the '90s. The Lawrence School staff really got behind it and so did many other schools. We have the cutest picture of kindergartner Mike Weybret dressed up as a hayseed farmer with make-up that enhanced his trademark freckles.

Mrs. Nott lead a group of girls in their first cheerleading experience.

"Positions everybody. Now march! Don't forget to smile!"

I don't know why I was surprised you have to teach kids to look happy. But they sure smiled for Jackie Nott.

My first memory of the Kiddie Parade was from the early 1960s. The Flintstones were a brand new TV sensation and Muriel Roget and my Mom Alcyon made caveman costumes for four of us boys.

The Kiddie Parade began in 1937 and didn't even pause for World War II, according to my wife the historian. (Everybody knows I'm Mr. Christi Kennedy, don't they?)

Anyway lots and lots of Lodians have marched in and ridden floats and watched the Kiddie Parade. It was a showcase for kids.

Apparently we modern Lodians are too wired into our iPads and smart phones to enjoy this non-digital tradition. Progress isn't always for the best.

If I sound old, remember, I was a kiddie once, too.