Rodeo parade: pols to princesses

Rodeo queens and kids, politicians and princesses, Corvettes and carriages all filled Cascade Avenue on Saturday, June 14, for the annual Sisters Rodeo Parade. Under a perfect summer blue sky, with just a hint of breeze, a large crowd gathered to enjoy the sight.

"Here they come!" "The parade's beginning!" "Here come the horses!" Children's voices rang out all along the route as the first entries made their way down the street.

Led as always by the Sisters Rodeo Association flag bearers, the parade included business entries, individuals, clubs and a slew of perfectly coiffed rodeo queens and princesses. This year's Grand Marshall, Billybob Bruhns, his wife Sherry, and their bandana-adorned Boston terriers rode in a beautifully restored dray wagon pulled by a team of black Clydesdales.

Two bands entertained with lively tunes. The Sisters Outlaw Band, made up of students from the middle and high schools, is an ever-popular entry. The goofy costumes band members wear and red noses on the cheerleaders added a dose of Outlaw humor, and the considerable talent of the band was evident as they marched by.

The Cascade Horizon Band, comprised of musicians who've enjoyed long associations with their chosen instruments, played a medley of military tunes.

The numerous horse entries are always a popular feature of the rodeo parade. This year was no exception. The Sisters Saddlebags, a group of women who ride together and spend considerable time planning their costumes, were adorned in sombreros and bright, sparkly shirts.

Sparkles were the order of the day on many horse and rider combinations, particularly noticeable as the rodeo queens and their courts rode past. These beautiful young women spend the summer participating in numerous parades around the Northwest, promoting the sport of rodeo. Their smiles were as bright as their horse's coats.

Riding schools, breed associations, equine service clubs, a few carriages, and riders who entered just for fun completed the horse entries.

The Sisters Kiwanis Club took up a big chunk of the street as members carried signs highlighting every activity and organization Kiwanis sponsors. They also made sure parade goers were aware of the annual Kiwanis Buckaroo Breakfast, held on Sunday morning at the rodeo grounds.

Three car clubs made their presence known along the parade route. Corvette and Mustang drivers revved their motors, showing off considerable mechanical horse power. The classic cars, in contrast, rolled sedately along, occasionally belting out an "ooga-ooga" from their vintage horns.

All in all, it was 50 minutes of fun in the sun, summed up by Jean Wells Keenan of the Stitchin' Post:

"There's nothing better than the rodeo parade."