Parading Our Freedom to Celebrate
Written by Lisa Glenn

To date Quail Valley has held Eight Annual Memorial Day Kid's Bike, Wagon & Dog Parades which are a real tribute to good ole American Pie type spirit, complete with streamers, balloons, bandannas, and even patriotic sunglasses. Over 40 youngsters participate each year and there are also adult size kids marching as well, and even a few colorfully decorated golf carts.  This community event, held at the Quail Valley Golf Course, is hosted by Quail Valley Proud, who organizes the event through co-chairs Shelley Lendermon and Lisa Glenn, and who underwrites the patriotic t-shirts designed each year by Leonetti Graphics. The Exchange Club of Quail Valley provides the American Flags for the marchers!  Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen has served all eight years as the Parade's Grand Marshal and has had some very tough decision-making in awarded prizes in the various categories such as Best Decorated Bike ; Best Decorated Wagon; Best Decorated Dog,  Most Patriotic,  Most Spirit; Best Marcher and Youngest Entrant.

 

A special thanks is extended to QV Cottage residents Dale Williamson, Terry Coughlin and Lil Schoellhorn, who have set up a drink stop for the kids and adults along the route, which sure tastes good in our Memorial Day morning sunshine.

At the parade’s  each year conclusion and before prizes are awarded, the Mayor leads those gathered in the Pledge of Allegiance and reminds Missouri City’s youngest citizens that it was due to the valiant efforts of those who had and were fighting for our freedoms that they were afforded the right to gather and celebrate our liberty as Americans, which includes our Missouri City Police Officers and Firefighters who were also on hand to be part of the parade festivities!