After months of anticipation and preparation, Pioneer Days in the hometown of Guymon, OK, finally arrived. Sometimes the anticipation exceeds the enjoyment of the actual event, but not this time. I’m so proud of my dad who was chosen from a field of candidates to be the Parade Marshal for this year’s parade. We had to submit a bio which I shared with you here and here a while back. Once it was official, my dad has had quite the social life with dinners, interviews, and photo sessions.
What I love about being from a small town is that people celebrate stuff like this. Big time. And I’m thrilled that my dad had this honor.
Here he is at the dinner which honored former Parade Marshals and Pioneer Day Queens.
Former Parade Marshals - My dad, Mike Brune, seated in center.
Former and current Pioneer Day Queens. Aren't they sweet?
Receiving Recognition from the state of Oklahoma from Representative Gus Blackwell.
Once he received word that he was going to be the Grand Marshal, my dad had to scurry around and get the buggy he was working on restored in a hurry. He does all of the body work and painting, but usually the buggies need new upholstery and a new top. He has an Amish man in southeast Oklahoma who does a wonderful job on that. And then there was the fact that he needed a buggy horse to pull it, preferably one that was already trained and ready to go. This pic is from the official start of Pioneer Days when one of the riding clubs arrives in town and makes their trek toward the fairgrounds. Here the top is up on the buggy (circa 1880) so you can’t see Daddy or Ervin (who drove it), but it’s a great shot of the horse and the completed buggy.
Official beginning of Pioneer Days on Friday, May 4, 2012
Parade Day. Daddy had a great time. We’re appreciative of Ervin for all he did in getting the buggy where it needed to be at all times, allowing my dad to enjoy his day of honor.
Parade Marshal - Mike Brune (Ervin Brune driving)
Kathy, Ervin, and Jenny also prepared a great meal for all of the family and friends following the parade. THANK YOU!! By afternoon, we were all ready for a little catnap and then finished off the day’s festivities by attending the PRCA Rodeo that evening.
Parade Marshal Mike Brune with kids, grands, and great-grands!
It was a weekend to treasure. Cousins getting reacquainted. Catching up with relatives we don’t see often enough. Perfect weather from sunup to sundown. It made me proud to be from a small town and good people. We love you, Daddy!
You can view more pics from the weekend on the Pioneer Day album on Facebook.