Florence Days

I was highly honored this year as a huge celebration was held on my birthday—Florence Days. Well actually, it celebrates the birthday of the town of Florence which was founded in 1853 on the land that had once been Winter Quarters (the Saints were required by the government to leave in 1848 as part of a previous agreement). It was a major jumping off point for those going west and became such an important town that it was in contention for the state capitol as well as a major railroad center, but neither happened. In 1857 this prosperous town which was then bigger than Omaha, was ruined in the national banking panic of 1857. By 1898 it had became a suburb of Omaha.

Today however, it was a festive place with its streets lined with families who arrived early to see their pride and joy—the Florence Days Parade. This was everything you can expect in a small town parade. The Scouts and the flag began the parade.

Of course, the Grand Marshal of the parade and all the political figures were next. This year’s grand marshal, and his wife, The Roses, have been particularly helpful to our Trail Center. In turn, some of our senior sisters have made several quilts that will be auctioned this summer at their store to benefit the Florence roads. See our article in Mormon Times Apr. 30 on line.

We had clowns, our high school marching band, vintage cars, horses, and of course, the Shriners with their buses, their trains, and most of all their go-carts—I think one might want to be a Shriner just to get to ride in those cars—we had several sets. I think Shriners came from all over Omaha to be in our parade.

Then came the highlight—our missionaries dressed as pioneers pushing handcarts—we had 12 in all and a large number of sisters and elders participate. We were joined by our mission president and his wife, President and Sister Kunz and their son Matt.

The sisters wore dresses, hats, aprons and shawls representing pioneer times that one of our sister missionaries, Sister Scott had carefully ironed, mended and had ready for our sisters.

At the end of the parade our missionaries pulled the carts up our steep hill and then along our pioneer road—at least that is what Fred calls it. He says the Town of Florence has preserved some Pioneer Trails for us right here in town near the Trail Center!

When the parade was over, the community was invited to come to the Trail Center for a tour and a free buffalo chip (chocolate chip) cookie served by the Director’s wife, Sister Watson (my sister in law, Barbara).

We were able to share our big event with my nephew and his family, Michael, Natalie and their children. Cannon and Ella had more fun dressing up and playing pioneers in the parade than anyone.