Geneva politicians will walk Swedish Days parade
[burns_kevin_mg1107]
Geneva politicians will wear out shoe leather instead of using up gasoline at this month's Swedish Days parade, thanks to a suggestion from an alderman's spouse.
Ald. Dorothy Flanagan and her husband, Terry, were discussing who was going to drive the convertible carrying her in the June 22 parade.
Terry suggested the council set a "green" example and walk the 1¼-mile route instead.
Flanagan asked Mayor Kevin Burns, who enthusiastically agreed with the idea and urged all the aldermen to do it, sending out a David Letterman-style "Top 10" reasons to walk.
When asked if she walks for fitness, Flanagan laughed, then said, "Well, I walked nine holes Tuesday. … I'm walking everywhere (now) to get in shape."
It's not the first time Flanagan has ditched the car; she and her husband rode bicycles one year.
One wrinkle yet to be worked out is how the officials will get quickly from the end of the parade route, at the train station on the south end of Third Street, back to the reviewing stand at State and Seventh streets. "I have recommended that they get a car," said Jean Gaines, president of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the festival.
So far the whole city council plans to walk, including senior member Ald. Paul DesCoteaux, who is 79, Ald. Ron Singer, who is 76, and Ald. Sam Hill, who is 72.
Singer expressed a few misgivings about taking a long walk on what is usually a hot afternoon.
"I liked the suggestion about using golf carts," he said.
Who suggested it?
"Me!"
Why walking in the parade is good
When presented with the idea of walking in the Swedish Days parade -- instead of riding in cars --Geneva Mayor (and quipster) Kevin Burns quickly penned a "Top 10" list of why the "healthy and frugal alternative" was a good plan:
1. We can kiss hands and shake babies along the parade route. (Did I say that wrong?)
2. We can all use the exercise (especially me).
3. Most people only see us on TV from the waist up ... they probably wonder if we have legs.
4. With gas prices out of control, we'll be fiscally responsible.
5. No one can ever accuse us of not being environmentally friendly.
6. The risk of injury from falling out or off of a car is eliminated.
7. Our constituency gets a better chance at hitting us with objects since we're moving slower.
8. We never really got that "Beauty Queen Wave" down well enough anyway.
9. We can affix the car magnets to our shirts (just kidding) or have one of our friends carry it alongside of us in case people don't know who you are.
10. People are always telling us to "take a hike," so let's prove we can!