I live in an adorable little hamlet in the Ozark mountains. (Adorable if you don't mind the crazy politics and the constant feuds between neighbors.) It comes to life during the holiday season and last night was the kick-off! The Holiday Lights Parade is a fun, local event that is what hometown means to me. Local groups, churches, and businesses put together floats to walk down Spring Street for the masses throwing candy and waving to friends. It is a sight to behold.
The Interfaith youth group that I founded with my friend Kathy built a "float" using the flamingos that we use to "flock" area businesses to raise money for People Helping People. It was quite a site to behold. Picture a twenty foot board with 13 flamingos strolling across the top. 
The flamingos had been dressed for the weather in hats, scarves, and all manner of decoration. The board was covered in snow and lights (it is the Holiday Lights Parade!) and iridescent fringe. At the front, middle and back of the
board we had walkers holding it and waving with their free hand. We threw leis and pink beads and were quite the hit with the street urchins and parade watchers.
We have a great sign that says "You've Been Flocked" which always gets a laugh or our "Get Flocked" banner. Every year Kathy and I try to outdo what we have done with the kids and we think we succeeded. Did we win? We will find out Monday! Keep you posted.
UPDATE: We did not win, but we were winners in our hearts... because we were representing the great work that these kids do.
