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DEL.ICIO.USWhat’s missing from the Snellville parade? Elementary schools!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I love parades.
I have for decades — ever since shivering in my Mary Janes and soaking up the drumbeats of the Christmas procession in my hometown.
When I moved to Snellville in the ’80s, the city helped me rekindle that affair.
The Snellville Days Parade was big. Each year, on the first Saturday in May, the City of Snellville blocked off Main Street (aka U.S. 78) to make way for the event. The street closing was reason enough for every able-bodied person to grab a lawn chair and come out. For a brief and shining moment, cars had to detour a few blocks while the townspeople took over the road.
Highway officials eventually nixed the closing of U.S. 78. Metro Atlanta had become too busy to slow down. But Snellville charted a new course, and the parade marched on.
Lately though, something has been missing. Elementary schools, once a mainstay of the parade, are nowhere to be seen. None entered a float in last year’s parade. As of Wednesday, none had registered for next month’s.
Shannon Campbell, program supervisor for Snellville Parks and Recreation, said elementary school participation seemed to end about four years ago, “We’d love to have the schools involved” she said.
The lack of participation is a dramatic departure from the 1990s (and a few years in the early 2000s), when elementary school parents and kids would spend weekends and afternoons hammering lumber, stuffing tissue paper into chicken wire and learning song or dance routines for the march through town. W.C. Britt, J.C. Magill and Norton Elementary were regular contenders in the float competition.
Some years, the work generated impressive, elaborate creations. Some years, the entries were more basic. But it was always a big event.
When my children began school in Snellville, I joined the PTA, attended meetings and open houses and volunteered for projects. But it was the time spent decorating the school float where I really got to know other parents and kids.
My children, now in high school and college, told me recently that some of their best memories are of working on the Snellville Days floats.
I know parades are not on the list of elementary school responsibilities. I understand why PTAs might bow out. Building a float requires time, money and energy. You must borrow a trailer, beg for a place to house it, find a willing, generous soul with woodworking skills, come up with a design, buy materials, spread the word, find a driver, organize, organize, organize.
April and May are tough times for schools and families. There are end-of-the-year activities and athletic events, These days, there is also school testing to worry about. Schools can’t schedule events that keep children out the nights before tests.
There’s always the weather, too, which can dampen all efforts.
It’s enough to make anyone throw up his hands.
I just hate to see it happen. My family gained a lot from working on Snellville Days floats. In today’s buzzwords, you could label the lessons as “community building,” “working as a team” or “teaching citizenship” — all while stuffing tissue paper and having fun.
It’s a shame to see the tradition vanish.
Has the Snellville Days Parade played a part in your life?
For information about the Snellville Days festival and parade, go to www.snellvilledays.com.
Permalink | Comments (6) | Post your comment | Categories: Susan Gast
Comments
By Carol
April 18, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this
Oh my! Does this bring back memories of being PTA Co-President. Many a night spent burning fingers with hot glue guns creating fantastically creative floats. It was an opportunity for parents, who might otherwise not be able to participate on a more regular basis, could work with their children to build something magical. You parents who participated made my job ultra-easy! Loads of fun!
By lcrumpton
April 20, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this
My daughter(Miss Shiloh) is really looking forward to riding in the back of her uncles RED 69 Mustang in the parade! She’s been practicing that pageant Queen wave!
By MB
April 21, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
Susan, another tradition on the move, a victim of changing demographics, interests, time, insurance liability, PTSA funding, lack of connection with “Snellville”.
By jim d
April 23, 2007 7:20 AM | Link to this
Chaulk another one up to NCLB.
Schools aren’t supposed to be fun places anymore according to the law, nor are they.I rather suspect they will remain the same or become even worse unless the American public stands up and says “ENOUGH”
By Kim
April 25, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this
Oh no! Someone will find a way to blame GCPS for all the misery! But, in reality it is the fault of the parents who have chosen to “let somebody else do it” and then fuss about the children not participating. This is great activity for PTSA and for the parents who have not found a way to be involved and enjoy the fun! Get off your rear ends, parents!
By BJ
April 25, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this
NCLB??! How in the heck can NCLB have anything to do with a SAt. a. m. parade that has been going on for years?? Do you participate? Have you organized a neighborhood or school float? If not, don’t look beyond the mirror.