Today, while I was out doing errands I found myself driving behind two large trucks. What caught my attention first was the metallic fringe decorating the back of the truck directly in front of me. Then when we pulled up to a stop light and they turned, I could see that the other truck was decorated , too. Both of them had signs saying who they were representing. They were both going to be floats in a parade.
Seeing them instantly took me back to my childhood. I was in 4-H for many years. Each year for the county fair we would create, build and ride on a float.
Creating it used imagination. I honestly think this was mostly done by the adults, although I don't know this for a fact. I just don't have any recollection of being part of that process. It would probably have been really enjoyable for me, but I don't think any kids were included.
Building the floats was a kid participation activity. We usually had to make a "skirt" around the edge of the truck and some scene that depicted a theme for that year. Usually the theme had to do with farming (past, present or future). Since we lived in a rural tiny town in the Mid-West this theme was very popular.
Because I was incredibly shy, riding on the floats presented many challenges. Some years we threw candy out to kids along the way. That wasn't so bad. The humiliating times were when we had to strike a pose or do something weird like pretend to churn butter. I remember one year we had to try to square dance on the back of the truck. We didn't lose anyone off the side, but it was a miracle we didn't.
My absolute favorite was the year my mother designed a fantastic float. There was a 6 foot in diameter globe of the world surrounded by us kids dressed in costumes from different countries. The globe was made of chicken wire that we stuffed with white crape paper with the countries done in a bright green. (The 4-H colors). The skirt was also made with the same materials. People said it looked like flowers when they saw it going down the street. It was by far the most elaborate, time consuming and amazing float we ever made.
Reflecting back on those years in 4-H as an adult brings a smile to my face. What strikes me, is the strong sense of community the experiences we had offered us.
I always resented growing up in such a small town and resisted the farming community by going to bigger cities nearby for mostly music and dance activities. I don't think I realized, until I saw those trucks today, that I had been so involved in being part of a group as I was in 4-H. We were doing things in and for community. It has definitely given me pause for thought.
Now, I feel the importance of giving back to the community, earth, world. It is why I'm so fond of the concept "pay it forward". I understand and have great respect of people who volunteer their time and money for a cause they believe in. Even the littlest things matter, like being on a walk and picking up other peoples' trash.
4-H taught me as a child, through my group experiences, what it meant to be a part of something. I remember the emphasis in our club was on heart. We did a lot of caroling, visiting shut-ins and folks at the nursing home. Every year we picked a large project that would improve the community--like planting gardens at the public park. I learned that we are all connected.
This was one part of my youth that was filled with fun, creativity and lots of kids of different ages. We had meetings with the clear boundaries set by Roberts' Rules of Order. We worked together. There was plenty of opportunity to individually shine -- which was a reflection not only on you but the entire club.
I'm glad I followed those trucks today. It's brought back many pleasant and important memories...
