By AAH Jack Quirk
Being the first to try anything can be a little nerve-racking. When Freedom Fest organizer Shelley Burch first mentioned having a golf cart parade, there were plenty of questions. I’ll admit, I figured we’d be lucky to round up five golf carts.
Turns out, I was very, very wrong.
Apparently, Hennessey has a secret fleet of decorated golf carts just waiting for an excuse to hit the streets!
On July 2nd, the First Annual Freedom Fest Parade was a huge success, with colorful carts, smiling families, and a crowd I’m estimating at more than 1,000 people lining the route. I visited with several spectators who had traveled from neighboring communities just to enjoy the festivities.
Another first was the parade route itself. Rather than traveling down Main Street, as Hennessey parades traditionally have, organizers routed the parade along Mitchell Road in front of the schools. The new route placed spectators right in the heart of the Freedom Fest activities, allowing families to easily enjoy the parade before walking over to the food, games, vendors, and evening entertainment.
If this year’s parade is any indication, it’s safe to say a new Hennessey tradition has been born.
And don’t put those decorations away just yet. Shelley is already making plans to make next year’s parade even bigger and better. At this rate, we may have to start registering golf carts before they outnumber the cars in town!
Photos by AAH Angie Bruner and Amy Townsend.
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