parades in squares

[normandy]

:ohdear: Did anyone hear that the parades in the town squares are going to end in 2013? Spoke to Pat from Amenities Advisory Committee and she said yes. No more parades.

[Bogie Shooter]

:ohdear: Did anyone hear that the parades in the town squares are going to end in 2013? Spoke to Pat from Amenities Advisory Committee and she said yes. No more parades.

Does Pat not know what she is talking about?? Or are you looking for rumor confirmation??

[Canabarrybarb]

I received the following by email today but cannot vouch for the validity of the information:
-------------------copy of email-----
I called the Villages Entertainment Department & they verified that starting in 2013 there would be no more parades
(352-750-5411). You may wish to attend a meeting this Wednesday at Savannah Center 1:30PM . It is the AAC Amenities Advisory Committee to let them know how you feel. If many Villagers show up it may influence them. Even if attending the parades is not your thing it is important to show the developers that we care about The Villages and what it has to offer- that you would like to be a part of the decision of what is removed.

From: xxxxx
Sent: Monday, November 5, 2012 10:22 AM
Subject: Re: , News -IMPORTANT

So I would be happy to go and help give the outline of meeting & stay with any one (more the better) that can attend Wed at 1:30 at Savannah. They need to be available for about 2 hours, maybe less, the agenda looks very light. I can tell you that the Entertainment group works WITH but not for the governing body of Villages. They can put any type of performances on-at any of THE VILLAGES owned and operated commercial areas, which the squares are. But I understand the implied promise & enjoy all the extra stuff they have now. So maybe just getting the question out there will bring more interest and information. Let me know if anyone can make it, I can't speak for them, have no facts or firsthand knowledge of the situation, sorry.



Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2012 10:07 PM
Subject: Re: News -IMPORTANT

Nadia, the Entertainment Dept. organizer/contact for The Villages is telling all the club leaders this. She is the one who schedules all the clubs/performances for each festivity, what time and square, etc. All this was just announced to the clubs within the last week (or less). What additional info I learned today is that all parades for 2013 (and beyond) are canceled, no longer happening. The "Fest" activities will tentatively include additional performances from the clubs/groups (in addition to the nightly music)...IE: the Italian Fest may have performances from say, the cheerleaders and belly dancers, provided they wear the appropriate colors and dance/perform to the appropriate music, IE; Italian music (which isn't a biggie as I think the groups try to do that anyway). But, subject to change. They are not giving a specific reason, however, speculation is it all boils down to dollars and cents. If they feel they're not making enough profit they stop doing it. Irregardless of the fact they use these festivities to lore folks here to live. I spoke with the ex-president of the Maryland club who filled me in on a little insight. She said that because folks here are retired they'll all wait for someone else to do something about this. If we only have a few folks upset nothing will happen. If, as a huge group of 80,000, we stand up to the developer and say we aren't happy about this or how can we take this over and handle it ourselves in the future, we might have a chance of getting a positive result. As the Maryland group, they used to rent the polo grounds/table area and kitchen to boil their own crabs for 200 people. They would rent it for one day from 8am to 9PM and cook the crabs for $200. When the developer took the grounds (back) over they raised the fee to $600 and said the club would have to use one of their caterers, either La Hacienda or Katie Belles, cause of course, they own them. Needless to say, the Maryland group stop this event.

Everyone I've talked to about this is extremely upset. I know some are posting stuff on facebook (I don' know how to go about this). Some are talking about letters to the editor (a joke of course, as the developer won't let those be put in the Daily Sun).

[graciegirl]

...

[2newyorkers]

I am in one of the clubs that participate in the parades. Last Thursday we were told no more parades. There will be events but no parades. The Entertainment Department is responsible for these decisions. Who the Entertainment Department answers to I do not know.

[graciegirl]

I am in one of the clubs that participate in the parades. Last Thursday we were told no more parades. There will be events but no parades. The Entertainment Department is responsible for these decisions. Who the Entertainment Department answers to I do not know.


How were you told this? In a letter or from a person who heard it from someone else? I am not trying to start anything but a lot of information is passed around as gospel and ...well some of it isn't.

This issue that there would be no more parades was brought up here on this forum a couple of years ago and it turned out to be a rumor.

I am just politely asking how you found out this information. WHO wrote it , said it?

[Applepie]

I also belong to a club that matches in all villages parades. We were told by our captain that there would be no more parades. She was told this by Barbara Vesco (sp) who is in charge of entainment.

[alemorkam]

is that good enough gracie girl?

[travelguy]

I am wondering that perhaps it is no longer the intent of the developer to use these parades and events as marketing tools...up to now they did not have to be profitable but merely advertising/publicity for the villages. as the build out looms nearer on the horizon it is no longer necessary for the developer to take a loss (read that as $$$) and does not have to be 'benevolent'. he is interested in profit, and lets face it, he has made his money. and the villages markets itself now!

[graciegirl]

is that good enough gracie girl?

???

[njbchbum]

I am in one of the clubs that participate in the parades. Last Thursday we were told no more parades. There will be events but no parades. The Entertainment Department is responsible for these decisions. Who the Entertainment Department answers to I do not know.

phew! for a minute i thought there might not be an issue with saving seats for friends who might or might not show up at an event! ;)

[archerlc]

I keep looking for "The Why." There was a reference to dollars and cents but no statement from the person who made the decision. If all of this is true I will especially miss the St. Patrick's Day parade.

[fraurauch]

We belong to the German American club and were told at the last meeting that there would be no more parades as we know them, but that there would be an "ethnic parade" at the polo field in January. We all signed a petition to overturn this decision, but I'm thinking parades will be the same as our buffalo. When the decision is made, it's made!

[mickey100]

The Villages is not a democracy. We don't get a vote - the Developer is the Emperor, and whatever he wants he gets. I am assuming there are reasons related to dollars and cents or else liability issues that would drive such a policy.

[paulandjean]

The Villages is not a democracy. We don't get a vote - the Developer is the Emperor, and whatever he wants he gets. I am assuming there are reasons related to dollars and cents or else liability issues that would drive such a policy.

Makes sense to me.

[Bogie Shooter]

is that good enough gracie girl?

Not necessary.

[graciegirl]

,,..

[BobnBev]

is that good enough gracie girl?
If you have something to say, then spit it out. Don't hide behind your keyboard. :mad:

[BobnBev]

If you have something to say, then spit it out. Don't hide behind your keyboard. :mad:
Guess I got up on the wrong side of the bed this AM......sorry

[BobnBev]

I saw all of the parades and I tried the "miss the mark" ethnic dishes served on the squares. It was nice, once. I will not miss it. BUT there are those who loved it and liked marching in it or watching it. And then there was the seat saving.

I never felt warm and fuzzy toward the Buffalo and never felt the parades were a "lure" to buy here, but if everyone was the same, they would only sell vanilla ice cream.

And you can go to the meeting and get all mad and put upon and it will not change the outcome. Before you buy here know this is NOT a democratic form of governance and things are what they are.

I am a person who for the most part feels that the developers have tried to make this a beautiful and safe place with many, MANY, opportunities to enjoy life. And they seem to try to give us a lot of nice stuff to do.

I can't see why not having the parade would save the developers money or time, or anything, but I am sure someone will explain it to me. I would like to know the stated reason for their stopping the parades and really would like to know if they are a draw for a lot of seasoned residents. Like many, I think of myself as typical, but maybe I am not on this issue.:highfive: Well said, gg

[JoeC1947]

I personally liked the parades. It gave people something to look forward to and assemble for a common reason. The ingenuity of some of the golf cart owners is outstanding. People were happy (except for the chair saving bunch). The parades must be appreciated by more than most because of the huge attendance. I hope TV rethinks this decision.

[lovesports]

I will miss the Christmas parade the most. St. Pat's Day second.

[Cantwaittoarrive]

If Parades are important enough to enough people the streets are public streets couldn't a club or a group of people not get the permits from the respective city or county and throw their own parade?

[cquick]

I, for one, will miss the parades! I love to go.....and on a more practical side, aren't the parades good marketing for the vendors/merchants of The Villages?

It's too bad......

[janmcn]

Mark Morse is now the Grinch That Stole Christmas, and St Paddy's Day, and Octoberfest, and Italian Fest, etc etc.:grumpy:

[justjim]

I, for one, will miss the parades! I love to go.....and on a more practical side, aren't the parades good marketing for the vendors/merchants of The Villages?

It's too bad......

Parades! :BigApplause: Who doesn't like a nice parade? I agree with Gracie in that I find it difficult to see the "downside" to the developer (if he is in fact behind a no parade stand) in either marketing TV or from a financial standpoint. If we lose the parades it will be the loss of a substantial TV tradition.

[EdV]

If Parades are important enough to enough people the streets are public streets couldn't a club or a group of people not get the permits from the respective city or county and throw their own parade?

Spot on Cantwait. The developer and/or his two special districts may have chosen not to sponsor and manage future parades but he cannot prevent a parade on the public streets within TV, provided that it is sanctioned by the city or county that owns those streets.

I think that each of the clubs that are oriented towards parades (Village Twirlers, bands, etc.) should elect one member to serve on a parade committee to investigate the feasibility of conducting future parades that could be organized by these clubs and sanctioned by the city/county.

[njbchbum]

We belong to the German American club and were told at the last meeting that there would be no more parades as we know them, but that there would be an "ethnic parade" at the polo field in January. We all signed a petition to overturn this decision, but I'm thinking parades will be the same as our buffalo. When the decision is made, it's made!


someone please find out and let us know what an ethnic parade will be!

[lovesports]

A little history here.
First we lost free drinks at the entertainment. Harold would know everyone's name and mingle and ask what the residents wanted and pass out drinks. Back then this place really did have free golf. Much later we lost the fireworks on 4th of July. Somewhere we lost a REAL Gated community. About the same time we lost all the fields of Buffalo, and music till midnight on New Year's Eve. Lost our only indoor pool which still stands empty.( Tried to sell it but no luck) The we lost Relay for Life here and amenities were getting so crowded you couldn't get in clubs or exercise classes in season. Then parades on just one square and now no parades. With the number of people who attend the parades, you know they are popular.
In every case, people protested, especially the Buffalo. The residents were never listened to...My favorite outcome was when they had an agreement with a private company to make more money on polo and threw out the locals. Guess what...they lost money. Polo was back the next year with the locals.
Now there are a ton more we lost but I gotta go...the old timers can tell you many more. ( If they dare with those few who will challenge anything and tell them they don't believe it))
Retail is not moving in like in the old days because of rents and paying % of all sales.
But for me, I live near 466 with all that retail. I have a beautiful house I love, a very friendly neighborhood and a ton of friends here. The main reason we stay is all our friends. I appreciate the beauty of this development, so clean and roads landscaped. Hope that never goes away. I will be taken out feet first I think. Now I will shut up and start PACKING for our trip!!!

[graciegirl]

howdy boy.

[lovesports]

Love you Gracie. I can always count on you to respond or go pm about anything I post.

As I said, these are things taken away as the topic was parades being taken away...

For me it is a wash, I love love my hometown and friends there. I go "home" many times a year to a place I lived 55 years, I gained but I gave up alot too.


Gracie, you little devil you changed your post. I was responding to you gain comment.

Now Gracie...give me a break. LOL

[JeffAVEWS]

Spot on Cantwait. The developer and/or his two special districts may have chosen not to sponsor and manage future parades but he cannot prevent a parade on the public streets within TV, provided that it is sanctioned by the city or county that owns those streets.

I think that each of the clubs that are oriented towards parades (Village Twirlers, bands, etc.) should elect one member to serve on a parade committee to investigate the feasibility of conducting future parades that could be organized by these clubs and sanctioned by the city/county.
Just because there will be no more sponsored parades does not mean there can't be parades. These are public street, the developer my not want to pay the $10.00 fee for a permit, but he can't stop it. Municode (http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=12012)

[janmcn]

Just because there will be no more sponsored parades does not mean there can't be parades. These are public street, the developer my not want to pay the $10.00 fee for a permit, but he can't stop it. Municode (http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=12012)

If TV were a democracy you could organize a parade on public streets, but as Gracie has explained a zillion times on this forum, TV is not a democracy. The emperor has spoken and no one questions his wisdom.

[graciegirl]

///

[Bogie Shooter]

///

[Bogie Shooter]

6427

[Cantwaittoarrive]

Spot on Cantwait. The developer and/or his two special districts may have chosen not to sponsor and manage future parades but he cannot prevent a parade on the public streets within TV, provided that it is sanctioned by the city or county that owns those streets.

I think that each of the clubs that are oriented towards parades (Village Twirlers, bands, etc.) should elect one member to serve on a parade committee to investigate the feasibility of conducting future parades that could be organized by these clubs and sanctioned by the city/county.

:agree:plus they could contact retailer's about sponsorships. TV doesn't have to be a democracy. Pay the money for the permit and have a parade. Just because the developer chooses not to sponsor doesn't mean the parade can't go on. Public streets belong to everyone, that's why they're public:beer3:

[janmcn]

:agree:plus they could contact retailer's about sponsorships. TV doesn't have to be a democracy. Pay the money for the permit and have a parade. Just because the developer chooses not to sponsor doesn't mean the parade can't go on. Public streets belong to everyone, that's why they're public:beer3:

Unfortunately, the sidewalks and squares are privately owned and not public property.

[Cantwaittoarrive]

Unfortunately, the sidewalks and squares are privately owned and not public property.

The squares are privately owned but I'm not sure sidewalks are privately owned. Generally sidewalks along a public road are public, in most cases they reside within the easement of the public road. Also it wouldn't be required to use the squares to have a parade. Organizations and cities all across the USA have parades for events all the time and many don't have a square that is used. Now if some are disappointed that they can't sit in the town square and watch a parade with the bars open in the square that might be a different story but I have on occasion taken my lawn chair up to the square or sat on a bench in the square without any event going on just in the middle of the day and people watched and I have never had any representative of the developer run me off and tell me I couldn't sit there, has anyone been run off from sitting in the square??

[bkcunningham1]

6427

lol

[JoeC1947]

6427

LOL! Love it!

[EdV]

Cantwait, another sensible post. But everyone should understand that pulling off a big parade is not an easy task and requires lots of volunteers.

The best chance it has without the Morse family behind it is, IMHO, with a joint effort of the TV groups that like to participate in these parades. Just a few thoughts of mine.

[Bogie Shooter]

Remember when there was only one town square, the parages were huge. Then came LSL and now there were two parades only smaller. And currently there are(will be) three squares..........three parades; probably not. Becomes a big effort to put on three parades several times a year.
It all most likely be consolidated to the Polo Grounds, isn't that where the Christmas parade is now being held?

[gemorc]

OK, I pay the permit fee, so now I can have my parade, right? Now I am told I have to pay for all the public services that goes along with my parade. I have to pay for police, and fire protection. I am told I have to supply proper E.M.T. protection for all the participants, the number of technicians increases by the number of people attending my parade. Sorry, I don't want to have my parade anymore.

[Peggy D]

I keep looking for "The Why." There was a reference to dollars and cents but no statement from the person who made the decision. If all of this is true I will especially miss the St. Patrick's Day parade.

No reason was given

[njbchbum]

Cantwait, another sensible post. But everyone should understand that pulling off a big parade is not an easy task and requires lots of volunteers.

The best chance it has without the Morse family behind it is, IMHO, with a joint effort of the TV groups that like to participate in these parades. Just a few thoughts of mine.

maybe stonecrest will start a new tradition of parades and invite villagers to participate! we could use the new gate stonecrest puts up for their residents to get to wamart!

[njbchbum]

rather than having a parade for each celebration in each of the 3 squares on the same day, the powers that be could consider sharing the parades between the squares? st pat's in one, mardi gras in another, octoberfest in another. each square could have it's own special event entertainment celebration with music, twirlers, cheer leaders, etc., but just one square would have the parade. or is that too simple a resolution? sheesh!

[Applepie]

That is the way t is now. Only one parade per festival. The Italian Day parade was at SS. The Octoberfest parade was at LSL. No parades at Brownwood.

[graciegirl]

I am surprised the parades aren't happening......but I am one that seeing them once was fine.

For those who are new are not yet here, it is a VERY short parade. Just really around the square.

I am not sure where it begins and ends because I have always been on the square. It is very nice but not huge.

I enjoyed the ones I went to and we went to several just once... but I am NOT a fan of the seat saving. All new folks want to see the parades and of course the family and friends of the participants. It is fun to see "grown up" cheerleaders and twirlers and of course everyone loves to see the colors go by and the Irish, or Italian or German or patriotic costumes and decorated carts.. They set up small stands with food that ran out the times I was there. The food wasn't "wonderful".

It is a reason to gather and celebrate with friends in the warm sunshine and mark the special occasion. I still wonder WHY it will be discontinued. Perhaps because Brownwood isn't up to speed with businesses yet and there would be negative comments from the people south of 466A if a parade didn't happen there? That doesn't seem to be a good reason. I can't think of safety issues other than crowding.

Why do you think that it has been discontinued?

Another thing I haven't much interest in is Polo. I wonder if that will stop eventually. It always has seemed to me to be a special interest of the Morses rather than a sports event based on popularity. I sometimes like to tell off campus friends about it. It has a certain "snob" appeal. ;) How many retirement communities have a polo field?

[Cantwaittoarrive]

For those who are new are not yet here, it is a VERY short parade. Just really around the square.

I am not sure where it begins and ends because I have always been on the square. It is very nice but not huge.

I enjoyed the ones I went to but I am NOT a fan of the seat saving. All new folks want to see the parades and of course the family and friends of the participants. It is fun to see "grown up" cheerleaders and twirlers and of course everyone loves to see the colors go by and the Irish, or Italian or German or patriotic costumes and decorated carts.. They set up small stands with food that ran out the times I was there.

It is a reason to gather and celebrate with friends in the warm sunshine and mark the special occasion. I still wonder WHY it will be discontinued. Perhaps because Brownwood isn't up to speed with businesses yet and there would be negative comments from the people south of 466A if a parade didn't happen there? That doesn't seem to be a good reason. I can't think of safety issues other than crowding.

Why do you think that it has been discontinued?

Another thing I haven't much interest in is Polo. I wonder if that will stop eventually. It always has seemed to me to be a special interest of the Morses rather than a sports event based on popularity. I sometimes like to tell off campus friends about it. It has a certain "snob" appeal. ;) How many retirement communities have a polo field?

Yes when I want my friends back home to think I'm a "snob" I tell them I'm going to polo and the country club for dinner, when I really want to "snob" it up I throw in a trip to the theater

[billethkid]

my wife is friends of some of TV cheerleaders and they were told no parades starting 2013 some time ago.

Along with no more of the patriotic events.

Just put these changes on the list along side of celebrating new years on the squares which WAS fantastic.:grumpy: Outstanding way to do new years. Well attended does not describe the crowds and fun we had for 2 or 3 years when we first moved here. No reason ever given....just rumors about legal exposure and of course costs.

If one looks at the new venues for the tree lighting this year, now with Brownwood open. There is no more coordinated doing of the squares at the same time which USED to add a little bit of cohesive connection of residents for Christmas cheer. That is no more now with separate events.
I suspect additional logistics and extra cost are a big part of it.

And I would not be surprised in the special interest driven society we live in these days....there no doubt have been complaints of one kind or another about patriotic events, or parades or new years parties not lining up with some folks way of life or belief.

The above plus cost add up to eliminating events. The really sad part is that for all the good that TV developers do and their marketing and communicating expertise.....they do a 'P' poor job (really do not do at all) communicating 'stuff' like eliminating parades with not a word to the residents.

Yes we all understand it is not a democracy, they are the emporer et al....that does not make the poor communications of issues that impact residents....right.

My $7.29 (2 cents adjusted for inflation and the value of our dollar :D).

btk

[senior citizen]

I am surprised the parades aren't happening......but I am one that seeing them once was fine.

For those who are new are not yet here, it is a VERY short parade. Just really around the square.

I am not sure where it begins and ends because I have always been on the square. It is very nice but not huge.

I enjoyed the ones I went to and we went to several just once... but I am NOT a fan of the seat saving. All new folks want to see the parades and of course the family and friends of the participants. It is fun to see "grown up" cheerleaders and twirlers and of course everyone loves to see the colors go by and the Irish, or Italian or German or patriotic costumes and decorated carts.. They set up small stands with food that ran out the times I was there. The food wasn't "wonderful".

It is a reason to gather and celebrate with friends in the warm sunshine and mark the special occasion. I still wonder WHY it will be discontinued. Perhaps because Brownwood isn't up to speed with businesses yet and there would be negative comments from the people south of 466A if a parade didn't happen there? That doesn't seem to be a good reason. I can't think of safety issues other than crowding.

Why do you think that it has been discontinued?

Another thing I haven't much interest in is Polo. I wonder if that will stop eventually. It always has seemed to me to be a special interest of the Morses rather than a sports event based on popularity. I sometimes like to tell off campus friends about it. It has a certain "snob" appeal. ;) How many retirement communities have a polo field?

I don't know about snob appeal, because I don't think we are snobs....

The polo grounds are truly beautiful as are the horses who participate...Vermont has lots of "horse shows" but not polo games (that I know of anyway). No matter where you drive in Vermont, you see horses......their tents, the equestriennes, etc........during the "season".

Our 3 older grandchildren LOVE HORSES. Our 18 month old grandaughter in Colorado LOVES HORSES and has had many pony rides of which I have the videos. Her mom was raised on a "ranch" in Oregon and is starting her kids off early..........

People who like horses are not all snobs. Horse farms in Vermont are kind of "earthy".....and down to earth.

The polo grounds area reminds us of Virginia and Kentucky.......it's beautiful.

My husband preferred that section of TV over all the new areas.....

Our daughter in law who has ridden horses since a small child, participating in "horse shows" all over the country......equestrienne, etc., LOVED THE POLO GROUNDS.........anyone coming from a rural state would also enjoy seeing the horses.

Most recently we watched IN SESSION (Court TV) about the trial and sentening of that Florida Polo mogul who drove drunk in his $200,000 Bently and ran a stop sign, pushing a young man's car into a canal, leaving him to drown....while the Polo guy went somewhere else to "buy time" and sober up. BUT not all people who like horses are RICH POLO CLUB OWNERS. They just love the beauty of the animal.

I thought our daughter in law might think that the horses were being "exploited" but she loved it. She's owned many of her own horses and is "into" animal rescue, including horses, dogs, etc.

It's a nice addition to The Villages.........to each his own.
When we'd make that turn from El Camino Real onto Buena Vista Blvd. and drive past the polo grounds, we always felt at home.....sans mountains. It had a country feel to it.......in a refined kind of way.

When our kids were young, all the little girls would have LOVED to have horseback riding lessons.......it's a rural thing.

[graciegirl]

This is from the Village Voice, NOVEMBER 2012

Read the very last two lines...Will holiday parades be continued at each square?

The Villages Voice (http://www.thevha.net/the-villages-voice?op=3&issue=48&article=1162)

[JoeC1947]

This is from the Village Voice, NOVEMBER 2012

Read the very last two lines...Will holiday parades be continued at each square?

The Villages Voice (http://www.thevha.net/the-villages-voice?op=3&issue=48&article=1162)

Very interesting....last two lines

Will holiday parades be continued at the town centers each year?

Yes, watch The Daily Sun for locations and details in advance of traditional holidays.

Hmmmmmmm.

[OldManTime]

:ohdear: Did anyone hear that the parades in the town squares are going to end in 2013? Spoke to Pat from Amenities Advisory Committee and she said yes. No more parades.

I received a email yesterday they will discontinue them.

My take on that decision is they want the residents to step up and organize parades. My logic coms from back 10 years ago the holiday parades were second to none and the developer decided to cut the budget, and got the residents to step up, more golf carts etc. At that time, they reduced decorating the town squares by about 90% of what it was. These decisions are not what Harold Schwartz vision was for us.

[graciegirl]

I received a email yesterday they will discontinue them.

My take on that decision is they want the residents to step up and organize parades. My logic coms from back 10 years ago the holiday parades were second to none and the developer decided to cut the budget, and got the residents to step up, more golf carts etc. At that time, they reduced decorating the town squares by about 90% of what it was. These decisions are not what Harold Schwartz vision was for us.

I tried.

[Golfingnut]

If we have 100,000 folks that live here and an additional 1/4 million in the close by areas surrounding us, then using those figures to have the majority participate in the parade or watching such, that would be approximately 175,000 in attendance to be at or more than 51%. If not, then the majority have spoken and democracy wins again.
As long as we can celebrate as groups someplace in The Villages, then we are being fairly treated (in my opinion). I would also venture to guess that for everyone that likes to see the streets blocked off for a parade, there are more that find it as an inconvenience.

[senior citizen]

If we have 100,000 folks that live here and an additional 1/4 million in the close by areas surrounding us, then using those figures to have the majority participate in the parade or watching such, that would be approximately 175,000 in attendance to be at or more than 51%. If not, then the majority have spoken and democracy wins again.
As long as we can celebrate as groups someplace in The Villages, then we are being fairly treated (in my opinion). I would also venture to guess that for everyone that likes to see the streets blocked off for a parade, there are more that find it as an inconvenience.

Think of the logistics of having approximately 175,000 in attendance at a parade. Where would they all park? How far of a hike to stand on the curb or whatever for hours waiting for the parade to "line up" and begin.

We have a small town of 16,000 fulltime residents, surrounded by nothing. At the most, our parade would bloom into maybe 20,000 at the most (with visiting grandchildren, bands from other states, folks from other towns who do come over the mountain to see our parade.........)

Even with that amount, 20,000 folks compared to 175,000 souls......
Our town gets pretty crowded..........and latecomers have quite a walk "if" they can even find parking...........we remember some sweltering hot 95 degree afternoons when parade goers looked like they'd just about die trying to get back to wherever they parked their cars.......and these were young people. Trying to get into Friendlies for some ice cream for the kids is near impossible after a parade.

I can't even imagine 175,000 .....it would be a nightmare as far as parking and getting seats (probably non existent unless you drag your own chairs like we do).

Perhaps people should just celebrate whatever these holidays are with their own group of friends at a backyard barbecue??? No parade.

[JoeC1947]

If we have 100,000 folks that live here and an additional 1/4 million in the close by areas surrounding us, then using those figures to have the majority participate in the parade or watching such, that would be approximately 175,000 in attendance to be at or more than 51%. If not, then the majority have spoken and democracy wins again.
As long as we can celebrate as groups someplace in The Villages, then we are being fairly treated (in my opinion). I would also venture to guess that for everyone that likes to see the streets blocked off for a parade, there are more that find it as an inconvenience.

Never happen, they would run out of booze!

[Taltarzac725]

I have never seen huge crowds at any Villages' parades. Crowds yes, but there were other events that had much more draws from all over Central FL than the parades.

The Villages is Morses' Bubble though. Not sure how much we can do with getting the parades back. You would think that the IRS would see parades more as something a governmental entity does rather than what a family owned development stages. Just putting this in terms of the IRS bond mess.