The Snake River Stampede Horse Parade boasted majestic horses, gorgeous flowers, beautiful rodeo queens of all ages, vintage wagons, miniature horses; the list goes on and on.  There was even an Elvis impersonator.  Best of all, there was more  pride for the United States of America, than I have seen in a long time.

Scores of families lined the streets, people young and old.  There were grandmothers, playing with their baby grandchildren in strollers, a family with a beautiful golden retriever who sat loyally with her owners.  Mothers had brought down their little ones to see the big horses up close.   A woman walked from person to person, passing out free bottled water, along with invitations for the children to go to vacation bible school.   A group of boy scouts pedaled popcorn and bottled water up and down the streets in a red wagon to earn money for their troop.

As the procession of talented riders went by, anytime one was proudly carrying a United States of America flag, the crowd would stand, placing their hand on their hearts.  I can’t tell you how many times we stood, I lost count.  The pride for our country was strong.  It made me proud to be a part of this community.

A group of small children, approximately three and four years old, sat next to me on the curb in front of the Nampa Civic Center.  Their excitement for the horses and the riding and just being a part of the fun was intoxicating.  They would waive as the riders went by, asking them questions about their horses, or what they were doing.  Each rider always took the time to stop and smile at the little kids and answer them before they rode on.

The little girls shrieked with excitement as the rodeo queens rode by, proudly displaying their flags, tiaras, flowers and their horses.  The little girls were mesmerized by the glamour and glitz of the queens.  I heard them say repeatedly, “I’m the red girl!”  or “I’m the purple girl!” pointing out which queen they wanted to be like when they grew up.

There was a little blonde boy, who camped out with his older brother on an Indian blanket.  They were there with their grandparents who sat behind them, commenting to their little grandsons about each rider that went by.  I watched the boy sit, then stand and point, and look at the cowboys in awe. 

For anyone who is a long time local resident of Nampa, Idaho, it was a total reality check as to the fact that we still are small town America.  This city is still quaint and unique, and if the parade watchers are any indication of the type of people that have relocated Nampa, Idaho, then I say, welcome to our city.