Villages Cancels all Parades beginning in 2013

[jflynn1]

Please send to everyone you can think of to help get this reversed

Entertainment Department verified that starting in 2013 there would be no more parades (352-750-5411). Y

ou 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.



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).

[Indydealmaker]

Please send to everyone you can think of to help get this reversed

Entertainment Department verified that starting in 2013 there would be no more parades (352-750-5411). Y

ou 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.



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).

The only chance you have to salvage parades is to promote funding it sans developer. Get with the retailers and the clubs. The developer is only making business decisions. The only thing he gains from the parades and many other subsidized activities is marketing of homes. As the build-out approaches, you can expect the developer to stop subsidizing everything. Just like in most communities, it will fall to the retailers. If it makes money, it will be done.

Try putting a charity fund-raising spin on the parades (of course this will take donations) but this might induce the developer to stay involved in some fashion.

It is time for all Villagers to realize there is no free lunch. If it cannot be paid for with amenity fees, all of the freebies will either come to an end or shift to the retailers. It is what it is.

[blueash]

A few dozen people marching near the sales offices with signs every day might make a difference. Or perhaps all the members of the XYZ club could mysteriosly just happen to all be slowly driving their golf carts down Canal street into LSL at the exact same time. Why that might look like a parade, but it would just be a coincidence.
Perhaps someone can educate me on the techical definition of a parade that they are not going to allow. As the streets are public someone other than the developer must be issuing a "parade" permit if such is needed. I am sure the local governmental authorities would act according to the wishes of the citizens and not be under the control of the developer, right?

[Indydealmaker]

A few dozen people marching near the sales offices with signs every day might make a difference. Or perhaps all the members of the XYZ club could mysteriosly just happen to all be slowly driving their golf carts down Canal street into LSL at the exact same time. Why that might look like a parade, but it would just be a coincidence.
Perhaps someone can educate me on the techical definition of a parade that they are not going to allow. As the streets are public someone other than the developer must be issuing a "parade" permit if such is needed. I am sure the local governmental authorities would act according to the wishes of the citizens and not be under the control of the developer, right?

The streets may be public, but the squares and the downtown shops, sidewalks, etc. are the developer's territory.

[ugotme]

[QUOTE=It is time for all Villagers to realize there is no free lunch. If it cannot be paid for with amenity fees, all of the freebies will either come to an end or shift to the retailers. It is what it is.[/QUOTE]

My question is what will happen if/when the time comes when the build out is complete and there is not much need to market homes here? Sooner or later the amenity fees will reach a "maxed-out" price which people may rebel against then what - fees for golf? tickets for shows in the squares? Not sure of the answer, just putting it out there.

[ilovetv]

Read the last sentence of this article dated Nov. 2012:

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

[Bogie Shooter]

With 85,000+ people in TV, has any parade attracted more than 10%.
Is the minority of people now wringing their hands for the majority who, apparantly won't miss the parades?
Didn't the same thing happen when the Christmas parade was no longer held at the square and now is at the Polo Grounds? And it has been a success since.

[Golfingnut]

My question is what will happen if/when the time comes when the build out is complete and there is not much need to market homes here? Sooner or later the amenity fees will reach a "maxed-out" price which people may rebel against then what - fees for golf? tickets for shows in the squares? Not sure of the answer, just putting it out there.

Every household pays the fees yet the bulk of the money is spent on the most recently built locations. That being the case, the fees should not have to rise after build out as less will be needed to maintain common areas.

On the parades, I see them as more trouble than pleasure for the town squares. Contained areas for this type activity makes more sense to me.

[jblum315]

My question is what will happen if/when the time comes when the build out is complete and there is not much need to market homes here? Sooner or later the amenity fees will reach a "maxed-out" price which people may rebel against then what - fees for golf? tickets for shows in the squares? Not sure of the answer, just putting it out there.

I thought the retailers paid for the entertainment in the squares?

[Challenger]

"Chicken Little, the sky is falling." Hmmmmmmm

[senior citizen]

With 85,000+ people in TV, has any parade attracted more than 10%.
Is the minority of people now wringing their hands for the majority who, apparantly won't miss the parades?
Didn't the same thing happen when the Christmas parade was no longer held at the square and now is at the Polo Grounds? And it has been a success since.

The polo grounds are beautiful......I can understand why it's been a success there.

From our own experience, most people go to parades with young children; we started ours off from about age 2 and took them to every single town parade in our Vermont town.........of which there are many.

Once they were young teenagers, we were SO HAPPY that we could just let them walk down into town with their friends......to the parades.
Been there, done that......for years and years.

Then we began again with the new baby grandchildren.....from crawling infant stage on........again, glad when everyone decided it was TOO HOT TO SIT THROUGH THOSE THREE HOUR PARADES, having to put our chairs out early on the sidewalks (5 a.m. for noon parade; arriving at 11 a.m., winding down at 3 p.m.)

Parades are for young families and children. I can't even imagine trying to get a good spot at the squares.......at our age.

Up here the FIREMEN (all volunteers) sponsor the big summertime parade and other groups like the VFW sponsor the smaller parades.
The firemen get donations from us and other townspeople by selling ads in their parade newspaper.........since the parade honors the firemen, those past and present, it works out great. We have participants from Massachusetts, New York State and all over Vermont........even Connecticut. We used to have a drum and bugle contest the evening of the parade ....but that ended many years ago. Everyone went to that as well.
Our high school marched along with all the out of state bands..........they made floats, all the various town groups made floats........it was all "volunteer" sort of. Everyone and their uncle marched, including the various scouting groups, the guys riding the little "cars" with the "fez" hats on........it takes planning, but the community itself can do it.

Most towns have parades and somehow the citizens raise the money to sponsor them............we have parades for every season of the year.

If the people of TV want them, they will find a way and a place.

[billethkid]

Just put these changes on the list along side of celebrating new years on the squares which WAS fantastic. 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 ).

btk

[mulligan]

I think the communication is very efficient. If nobody tells you there is a parade, don't show up to watch it. Real simple.

[graciegirl]

This is from NOVEMBER 2012 issue of The Village Voice

Go to the last two lines...Question. Will holiday parades be continued in each square?

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

[mulligan]

Thanks, G. Now, to expand on my last post, If someone tells you there is a parade, rush down to the appropriate square, and rope off a bunch of chairs.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Honestly, I couldn't care less if I never saw another parade in my life. They are a total waste of money as far as I'm concerned.

[villages07]

Indy actually summarized it pretty well. If you don't pay for it via the amenity fee then residents don't have much influence over it. This especially rings true with events put on by the Entertainment Dept. Now that the Developer has quietly sold the business to Barbara Vesco, things he might have operated at a loss to promote sales, she may not do since it's her bottom line. The Entertainment Dept has never been very forthcoming with future plans on events, acts, etc. They have no website or publicly available email address. Folks who have contacted them by phone don't seem to get very much info either.

This "no more parade" statement may end up being a rumor or half true. Time will tell.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

This is from NOVEMBER 2012 issue of The Village Voice

Go to the last two lines...Question. Will holiday parades be continued in each square?

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

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


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

Bill :)

[2BNTV]

Post # 6 re the Village Voice last two sentences are:

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.

BTW - there must be an echo in this place. :smiley:

[Taltarzac725]

Don't rain on our parades. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xuIDbrZv4g&feature=related



I would think that a lot of liquor is sold on and near the Squares during and after these parades. You would think that the marketers in the Squares would want them unless they impede people coming into their shops?

[Bill-n-Brillo]

.................. BTW - there must be an echo in this place. :smiley:


Where? Where? Where? Where?

And here I just thought it was those people inside my head talking again......

:jester:

Bill :wave:

[Taltarzac725]

Don't rain on our parades. Glee - Don't Rain On My Parade (Full Performance) HD - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xuIDbrZv4g&feature=related)



I would think that a lot of liquor is sold on and near the Squares during and after these parades. You would think that the marketers in the Squares would want them unless they impede people coming into their shops?

Probably just a rumor about the voices in various heads on TOTV.

I do not see there being Brownswood parades right away but you would expect them to still see profits from these various parades. I did not know they paid people to walk in them?? Except maybe the professional entertainers like the stilt walkers.

[2BNTV]

Where? Where? Where? Where?

And here I just thought it was those people inside my head talking again......

:jester:

Bill :wave:

Funny stuff.

Joe :wave:

[lovesports]

Indy actually summarized it pretty well. If you don't pay for it via the amenity fee then residents don't have much influence over it. This especially rings true with events put on by the Entertainment Dept. Now that the Developer has quietly sold the business to Barbara Vesco, things he might have operated at a loss to promote sales, she may not do since it's her bottom line. The Entertainment Dept has never been very forthcoming with future plans on events, acts, etc. They have no website or publicly available email address. Folks who have contacted them by phone don't seem to get very much info either.

This "no more parade" statement may end up being a rumor or half true. Time will tell.

Agree.

[senior citizen]

Honestly, I couldn't care less if I never saw another parade in my life. They are a total waste of money as far as I'm concerned.


Exactly.....that's how we feel........after attending for years upon years, for the sake of the kids as they were growing up.

[lovesports]

Exactly.....that's how we feel........after attending for years upon years, for the sake of the kids as they were growing up.

Many many of us are just getting our grand babies now and we looked forward to taking out 1 - 2 -3 year olds to these golf cart parades. Little one like these parades more than Universal where all they see is people carrying long strings going up. up, up, further than they can see. Plus its great fun to march in these parades. Just a few years ago the floats gave out candy.
Everyone in our Villages is working to save the parades, even those who don't go anymore because of crowds. Our community has put in floats as a village. Great fun working together, making the float and marching. Many driveway get-togethers which is one reason I live on such a friendly cul-de-sac. We all know each other.
Once again I think many posters have not lived here full time for many years. I laugh that since the beginning of this board, the main posters don't live here and after many many posts, they move here and then stop posting. Just look at the regular poster in 2007, 2008, 2009,2010, 2011 and even early 2012. Three reasons, Once here they become so busy they don't have time to post. Second, they change what they think. Third, they get sick of people on here and go to fb. I have about 250 villagers as friends on my fb page and believe me they are very sad about the parades being canceled. Just because you are not interested, why not want it to continue for people who are just getting here and others who love parades and babies just getting old enough to enjoy a parade.
Won't argue with anybody as I have much better things to do.

[downeaster]

Indy actually summarized it pretty well. If you don't pay for it via the amenity fee then residents don't have much influence over it. This especially rings true with events put on by the Entertainment Dept. Now that the Developer has quietly sold the business to Barbara Vesco, things he might have operated at a loss to promote sales, she may not do since it's her bottom line. The Entertainment Dept has never been very forthcoming with future plans on events, acts, etc. They have no website or publicly available email address. Folks who have contacted them by phone don't seem to get very much info either.

This "no more parade" statement may end up being a rumor or half true. Time will tell.

Very interesting. What business did the Developer sell to Barbara Vesco?

[senior citizen]

Many many of us are just getting our grand babies now and we looked forward to taking out 1 - 2 -3 year olds to these golf cart parades. Little one like these parades more than Universal where all they see is people carrying long strings going up. up, up, further than they can see. Plus its great fun to march in these parades. Just a few years ago the floats gave out candy.
Everyone in our Villages is working to save the parades, even those who don't go anymore because of crowds. Our community has put in floats as a village. Great fun working together, making the float and marching. Many driveway get-togethers which is one reason I live on such a friendly cul-de-sac. We all know each other.
Once again I think many posters have not lived here full time for many years. I laugh that since the beginning of this board, the main posters don't live here and after many many posts, they move here and then stop posting. Just look at the regular poster in 2007, 2008, 2009,2010, 2011 and even early 2012. Three reasons, Once here they become so busy they don't have time to post. Second, they change what they think. Third, they get sick of people on here and go to fb. I have about 250 villagers as friends on my fb page and believe me they are very sad about the parades being canceled. Just because you are not interested, why not want it to continue for people who are just getting here and others who love parades and babies just getting old enough to enjoy a parade.
Won't argue with anybody as I have much better things to do.

I believe you are very fortunate indeed to have all the new grandbabies so close by that they can enjoy your golf cart parades. We did the same thing. Maybe not golf carts in our parades, but lots of cute little cars, floats, hundreds of fire engines and clowns, etc........everything to delight all ages of children.

We took ours from age 2 up to their very early teens when they then began going with their friends and we were very happy to get a "break".
I believe I posted this already (I think there are two parade links).
We have nothing against parades......we've seen them all.

We did it also for our first batch of grandchildren who are now 18, 11 , 8.
Plus for visiting nephews and neices when they were little ones.

Our newest batch of grandbabies are newborn and 18 months old.
I'm sure their time will also come, however, they live in Colorado.
Our older ones live a six hour round trip drive away.......and now that they are older, they are involved in their own community, school and church activities to a larger extent.

That's what I meant by "been there, done that". We've done it.

Their parents take them to parades in their own neighborhoods.

It was exciting to take our very first child to her first parade....and our second child.........however, our biggest parade is in the heat of August and we've all suffered through some 95 degree heat spells. As one ages, sitting out from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and then having to carry the chairs back to the car is something we can truly live without.

But we did enjoy all the parades and I'm glad you will be able to relive those happy memories with your new little grandchildren who live near the Villages.

I mentioned in my other email that all of our parades are sponsored by the townsfolk themselves........it can be done without funds from the local government.

I wish you good luck in keeping the parades going.

p.s. We flew our kids to Disney World every single year from toddlerhood through early teens .......and also enjoyed their parades........precious memories for sure.

p.s. Our clowns also gave out candy........and all the school kids, scouts, various organizations worked on floats........just like yours. Lions Club, Rotary, you name it. Great small town America experience for sure.

[villages07]

Very interesting. What business did the Developer sell to Barbara Vesco?

My understanding is she and hubby Paul Vesco bought the Entertainment dept....so she books entertainment for the squares, Savannah Center, Katie Belles, organizes special events, owns the box office business. I am not sure what else or if the Developer retained anything else.

[jblum315]

Exactly.....that's how we feel........after attending for years upon years, for the sake of the kids as they were growing up.

I don't care about the parades either. My idea of a parade is marching bands and floats and clowns, not golf carts. And I certainly don't like the idea that you have to get there at 7 a.m. to be able to see a parade that starts at 10.

[Shimpy]

Honestly, I couldn't care less if I never saw another parade in my life. They are a total waste of money as far as I'm concerned.

Some people like parades, but as far as I'm concerned, if you've seen one you've seen them all." I came to that conclusion when I was about 5 years old.

[skip0358]

It's just another thing that will disappear. When we came down in 2009 the St. Pats Parade in SS put us over the top at deciding this was the place. We had a ball and met many people also having fun. There was a large crowd. however the place is growing and the squares do load up with to many people. I heard the comments passed last year in LS when the ambulance had to get in for an aided case that things had to change because it wasn't safe anymore.Coming from up a FD up north the parade restrictions and safety requirements were getting costly with the extra PD and EMS people that were required.We had to get town,county and village permits along with permission from local law enforcement.Also businesses along the route had a say if they're business was going to be adversely affected. Never mind the parking and noise issues. I do think it's a shame though that things are starting to change now that build out is getting closer. The dream is changing and I'm sure there's more to come. As another poster stated this is added to the growing list.

[swrinfla]

All of the foregoing distresses me no end!

I came here believing that The Villages really knew how to make this place Paradise!" After nearly 8 years, I still believe that!

But, newcomers seem to be less persuaded! As an "elder," I guess that I have to encourage understanding of the database!

Of course, I must also, I think, acknowledge that I am now approaching my "late 70s," and am, thus, "too old!"

Quite frankly, many of the remarks posted heretofore strike me as pure rumour and thus worthless!

Janet Tutt, District Manager, has repeatedly emphasized that she will quash any unfounded rumor; I think this thread is full of them! I frankly challenge The Administrator to forward the remarks herein to Ms Tutt, asking for her thoughtful comments!

SWR
:beer3:

[Muriel Panico]

At least I was able to participate in the past parades, St Patrick's and Itlaian American parades

[mulligan]

... Ms Tutt has already answered...In the village voice.....The parades will continue...watch for dates and times...

[senior citizen]

I don't care about the parades either. My idea of a parade is marching bands and floats and clowns, not golf carts. And I certainly don't like the idea that you have to get there at 7 a.m. to be able to see a parade that starts at 10.

I AGREE.

It comes with age I think. Been there (a lot) done that (a lot) and we did enjoy it.......who doesn't love seeing a parade through the eyes of their children????

However, apparently this entire discussion was "much ado about nothing" as it now seems they were never being cancelled........or maybe my eyes haven't full adjusted yet........still early in the morning.

[graciegirl]

Alright. Since it says there are gonna be parades continuing on all squares in 2013 in the VHA newsletter and Village07 posted that the entertainment department is now privately owned by the Vesco's and I trust the source of both statements....

I will wait and see if and how it is done.

Yesterday we played a golf course in Chatham and had a sneak peek of buffalo grazing in the field adjacent to that golf course. Some of the girls in our group missed their presence inside of TV and some did not.:shrug:

Time marches on and change does occur. In the five years since we bought our first home here, the important things to us have remained the same. There are too many people driving and golfing in January, February and March for ultimate happiness but that is the nature of Florida.

I have a letter ready to go to Gary Morse anyday now. I have had more wrinkles appear on my face and my speed exiting from a chair has decreased in the five years we have been here. I am sure it is his fault and I may want my money back.;)

[pooh]

So true, GG....life is always changing. There are times when things we like to do, see, participate in, change....it's life. Something new comes along that sparks our interest and we move on. Of course, we will always miss what no longer is and the memories become more and more special with each passing day....but we make adjustments to new circumstances.

The parades will continue, people who enjoy them will attend. In years past, some of our neighbors have decorated their carts and drove in the parade. They no longer do. I've been to the parades, enjoyed them, but don't feel I need to see any more. Going to the parades is a sort of rite of passage here in TV....but it is crowded and that may just be a bit unsettling for some.

[senior citizen]

So true, GG....life is always changing. There are times when things we like to do, see, participate in, change....it's life. Something new comes along that sparks our interest and we move on. Of course, we will always miss what no longer is and the memories become more and more special with each passing day....but we make adjustments to new circumstances.

The parades will continue, people who enjoy them will attend. In years past, some of our neighbors have decorated their carts and drove in the parade. They no longer do. I've been to the parades, enjoyed them, but don't feel I need to see any more. Going to the parades is a sort or rite of passage here in TV....but it is crowded and that may just be a bit unsettling for some.


Words of wisdom for sure.

It does get down to the CROWDS. And if we were put off by not only the heat and the crowds, parking issues, etc. in our small town in Vermont, population 16,000 souls...........TV's parking and "hoofing it with the chairs" or waiting long hours in the sun for the parade to even start......sounds a bit overwhelming. Maybe the 40 somethings and early 50 retirees don't mind..........but those pushing 70 and beyond might say "been there, done that"......

UNLESS.................each village or village area had it's own small parade.

What would be the population of a "village"..........does anyone know the exact population of their village that they live in?????

The guys in the Rotary and Lions Clubs could round up some clowns or clown outfits............the neighbors could rig up some "floats".......

Or, combine several villages for one larger parade........which still wouldn't be as overwhelming as 80,000 or more folks showing up with no place to park or sit.

[lovesports]

There is a real wide range of the number of homes per "village". Example Sunbury is a small village. Pennecamp is large.

[Bogie Shooter]

Words of wisdom for sure.

It does get down to the CROWDS. And if we were put off by not only the heat and the crowds, parking issues, etc. in our small town in Vermont, population 16,000 souls...........TV's parking and "hoofing it with the chairs" or waiting long hours in the sun for the parade to even start......sounds a bit overwhelming. Maybe the 40 somethings and early 50 retirees don't mind..........but those pushing 70 and beyond might say "been there, done that"......

UNLESS.................each village or village area had it's own small parade.

What would be the population of a "village"..........does anyone know the exact population of their village that they live in?????

The guys in the Rotary and Lions Clubs could round up some clowns or clown outfits............the neighbors could rig up some "floats".......

Or, combine several villages for one larger parade........which still wouldn't be as overwhelming as 80,000 or more folks showing up with no place to park or sit.

do you really think any of this makes sense?? Parades in each village............

[Here2Stay]

Typical of the Morris Family, unless they can make a penny off anything...they cancel events...rather sad...I am all for heading over to the New Square, where most of the NEW home sales are happening, and walk with a sign...bet that will get their attention:pepper2:

[mulligan]

you'll need a parade permit

[graciegirl]

Typical of the Morris Family, unless they can make a penny off anything...they cancel events...rather sad...I am all for heading over to the New Square, where most of the NEW home sales are happening, and walk with a sign...bet that will get their attention:pepper2:

There is one R in Morse and no Pee in Lake Sumter.

[Patty55]

Typical of the Morris Family, unless they can make a penny off anything...they cancel events...rather sad...I am all for heading over to the New Square, where most of the NEW home sales are happening, and walk with a sign...bet that will get their attention:pepper2:

I don't know these people and certainly don't speak on their behalf but I don't think money is their motivation. IMO, at this point they are addicted to success and having fun.

[Mack184]

I don't know these people and certainly don't speak on their behalf but I don't think money is their motivation. IMO, at this point they are addicted to success and having fun.
This might be changing soon but as of this time, making a profit at a legal business is neither illegal or immoral. And what if their motivation is money? Is that a bad thing? If you don't go into business to make a profit, then why would you go into it in the first place, unless it is nothing more than a hobby?

[perrjojo]

:agree:

[QUOTE=Mack184;579228]This might be changing soon but as of this time, making a profit at a legal business is neither illegal or immoral. And what if their motivation is money? Is that a bad thing? If you don't go into business to make a profit, then why would you go into it in the first place, unless it is nothing more than a hobby?[/

[Patty55]

:agree:

[QUOTE=Mack184;579228]This might be changing soon but as of this time, making a profit at a legal business is neither illegal or immoral. And what if their motivation is money? Is that a bad thing? If you don't go into business to make a profit, then why would you go into it in the first place, unless it is nothing more than a hobby?[/

You two are not getting my point, I'm okay with that.

[Taltarzac725]

You two are not getting my point, I'm okay with that.

I get it. I believe they are more addicted to having some control over their huge investment which is the Villages. It was the vision of the Morse family who got rich over its success. They want to keep it successful.

You can only spend so much money but control is something else entirely. Probably explains their forays into other areas of achievement like polo and politics.

They are handing over the Entertainment/parade decisions to the Vescos while they concentrate on other things. Probably their venture in the Bahamas. The Vescos though seem to be very closely linked with the Morses.

[Bogie Shooter]

Typical of the Morris Family, unless they can make a penny off anything...they cancel events...rather sad...I am all for heading over to the New Square, where most of the NEW home sales are happening, and walk with a sign...bet that will get their attention:pepper2:

Glad you like living in The Villages.

[Bogie Shooter]

There is one R in Morse and no Pee in Lake Sumter.

And no i in Morse.

[Patty55]

Will one of you guys please go pee in the lake.

[Bogie Shooter]

Will one of you guys please go pee in the lake.

From way over here......................

[Bavarian]

From way over here......................

Tomorrow would be ideal day for a Veteran's Day Parade. The Veteran's Organizations and The Fourth Degree Knight's of Columbus would organize it.

St. Patrick's Day and St. Anthony's Day parades would also be handled by the Irish and Italiens.

New people, like my wife and I, keep moving in and we are retired Baby Boomers. There will be more of us in the years to come, we might still like a Parade for our ideas and/or heritages.

[Patty55]

... Ms Tutt has already answered...In the village voice.....The parades will continue...watch for dates and times...

Well, there you go.... from 3 pages back. It's official, Ms. Tutt says

"NEVER MIND".

[JoeC1947]

Typical of the Morris Family, unless they can make a penny off anything...they cancel events...rather sad...I am all for heading over to the New Square, where most of the NEW home sales are happening, and walk with a sign...bet that will get their attention:pepper2:

Wasn't Morris that finicky cat?

[JoeC1947]

Well, there you go.... from 3 pages back. It's official, Ms. Tutt says

"NEVER MIND".

I forgot what we were talking about??????

[Taltarzac725]

I forgot what we were talking about??????

Watch TV. Watch Movies. | Online | Free | Hulu (http://www.hulu.com/#!watch/2341)


Raining on our parades.

[rubicon]

The November village voice being cited as the authority references "Holiday Parades" Is the Italian, Irish German, Scotland Mexican Fest Holiday Fest? I don't think so? Keep in mind most people who go to these festivals go to the parades then leave and go home.

These events were good when there was room to move about but even with three town squares you have to have your hands at your side to turn around:pepper2:

[buggyone]

Wasn't Morris that finicky cat?

You are living in about the best place on earth. The Villages is NOT a public held corporation. You knew that at the time you moved in. The Developer and his family are geniuses in the business of building and in knowing what people want. Obviously, it is true with around 90,000 residents and more arriving each week.

The family name is Morse - not Morris. Haven't you driven on Morse Blvd?

[janmcn]

I get it. I believe they are more addicted to having some control over their huge investment which is the Villages. It was the vision of the Morse family who got rich over its success. They want to keep it successful.

You can only spend so much money but control is something else entirely. Probably explains their forays into other areas of achievement like polo and politics.

They are handing over the Entertainment/parade decisions to the Vescos while they concentrate on other things. Probably their venture in the Bahamas. The Vescos though seem to be very closely linked with the Morses.

On the other hand, if the Morse's are all about power they wouldn't be quietly selling off their empire piece by piece. IMHO Gary Morse could care less about TV parades. He has already moved on to his next project in Barbados.

[Taltarzac725]

On the other hand, if the Morse's are all about power they wouldn't be quietly selling off their empire piece by piece. IMHO Gary Morse could care less about TV parades. He has already moved on to his next project in Barbados.

Believe this when someone other than the Ann Coulter/Oliver North/ etc. columnists start showing up in The Villages Daily Sun.

It is like Alexander is selling his empire off to his various Generals. I know that wound up horribly for that empire but you should get my drift. The Vescos seem to share the Morses' vision. Alexander's Generals never did share his vision. The Morses, in other words, still have a great deal of control over their little empire in Central Florida.

[JoeC1947]

You are living in about the best place on earth. The Villages is NOT a public held corporation. You knew that at the time you moved in. The Developer and his family are geniuses in the business of building and in knowing what people want. Obviously, it is true with around 90,000 residents and more arriving each week.

The family name is Morse - not Morris. Haven't you driven on Morse Blvd?

I think you have me confused with the poster who originally used the name Morris. Another case of someone not reading all of the posts in a thread before responding.

[zonerboy]

Good Grief, People!
Are there grown ups living here or are we all just a bunch of babies who must be cared for and constantly entertained by Big Daddy Delevoper, Mr. Morse?
If there is some activity here (such as parades, etc.) which is not supported or provided free by the developer, then find out if enough residents are interested, organize yourselves, and run the activity on your own. There's no law against it. And if it costs money, well if enough people want it, you'll find a way to fund it.
Quit complaining, and just get it done!

[Bogie Shooter]

Good Grief, People!
Are there grown ups living here or are we all just a bunch of babies who must be cared for and constantly entertained by Big Daddy Delevoper, Mr. Morse?
If there is some activity here (such as parades, etc.) which is not supported or provided free by the developer, then find out if enough residents are interested, organize yourselves, and run the activity on your own. There's no law against it. And if it costs money, well if enough people want it, you'll find a way to fund it.
Quit complaining, and just get it done!

And that's it...........will the whining now stop.

[janmcn]

Believe this when someone other than the Ann Coulter/Oliver North/ etc. columnists start showing up in The Villages Daily Sun.

It is like Alexander is selling his empire off to his various Generals. I know that wound up horribly for that empire but you should get my drift. The Vescos seem to share the Morses vision. Alexander's Generals never did share his vision. The Morses, in other words, still have a great deal of control over their little empire in Central Florida.

Of course the Morses are only going to sell to people who agree with their ideology. That goes without saying and is probably written in the contract.

[Patty55]

I have a question for all the complainers-

How many of you actually support the businesses in the square after/during/before the parade?

I was speaking with a waiter after one of the campaign stops. (Doesn't matter who, this is not political.) He said that after it was over everyone just went home, he was surprised their was no surge in business.

A lot of those small stores have nice stuff at reasonable prices, why not support them rather than the big chain stores.

It goes both ways y'know.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

........A lot of those small stores have nice stuff at reasonable prices, why not support them RATHER THAN THE BIG CHAIN STORES. .......

Like Macy's and Coach? :22yikes:

:1rotfl:

:jester:

Bill :wave:

[Patty55]

Like Macy's and Coach? :22yikes:

:1rotfl:

:jester:

Bill :wave:

HHHelllo, don't you know Macy's is not opening in the town square, they're going out by the casino and the waterpark. I read this on the internet.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

HHHelllo, don't you know Macy's is not opening in the town square, they're going out by the casino and the waterpark. I read this on the internet.

Next to Trader Joe's, right? :D

And if you read it on the internet............you just KNOW it's gotta be true!!!

Bill :)

[Patty55]

Never read Trader Joe's, I saw Zabar's was opening. I'm guessing the Trader Joe thing is just a rumor.

[graciegirl]

On the other hand, if the Morse's are all about power they wouldn't be quietly selling off their empire piece by piece. IMHO Gary Morse could care less about TV parades. He has already moved on to his next project in Barbados.

All I have to do is look at the card table chairs in any of the rec centers to know that "they" are giving us more than necessary. They aren't just folding chairs, they are heavy, many on rollers, and upholstered to match the theme of the rec center. They paint every single structure in all of the rec facilities once a year. They didn't have to make the ground so fancy at Brownwood or plant 60 foot live oaks surrounding it either. I don't know those danged Morses, but I see generous people who want to do it right.

I think that a lot said against them is simply because they ARE successful and prosperous and many are jealous of those who have become financially successful.... But it was their money that was risked.

I don't think many...if anybody who lives here, know them personally . I have heard both of our builders and folks who work for Mike's Maintainance speak of them kindly. The man who came to tell us about Mike's Maintainace's residential program said that they had come from Michigan with the Morses and that the Morses were good and hard working people. He was older than us and I was glad to meet someone who had really known them.

They do not share the stage with the famous people who come here and they do not try to get attention. They are to me, an American success story. I don't understand why people move here and enjoy this place and some of them can't see what effort on their part it took to create and maintain it.

[senior citizen]

Good Grief, People!
Are there grown ups living here or are we all just a bunch of babies who must be cared for and constantly entertained by Big Daddy Delevoper, Mr. Morse?
If there is some activity here (such as parades, etc.) which is not supported or provided free by the developer, then find out if enough residents are interested, organize yourselves, and run the activity on your own. There's no law against it. And if it costs money, well if enough people want it, you'll find a way to fund it.
Quit complaining, and just get it done!


Words of wisdom. That's how it is done in small villages and towns all over the country. Have a "village meeting day" and plan out whatever it is you wish to see done. I'm sure there would be lots of volunteers.

[senior citizen]

All I have to do is look at the card table chairs in any of the rec centers to know that "they" are giving us more than necessary. They aren't just folding chairs, they are heavy, many on rollers, and upholstered to match the theme of the rec center. They paint every single structure in all of the rec facilities once a year. They didn't have to make the ground so fancy at Brownwood or plant 60 foot live oaks surrounding it either. I don't know those danged Morses, but I see generous people who want to do it right.

I think that a lot said against them is simply because they ARE successful and prosperous and many are jealous of those who have become financially successful.... But it was their money that was risked.

I don't think many...if anybody who lives here, know them personally . I have heard both of our builders and folks who work for Mike's Maintainance speak of them kindly. The man who came to tell us about Mike's Maintainace's residential program said that they had come from Michigan with the Morses and that the Morses were good and hard working people. He was older than us and I was glad to meet someone who had really known them.

They do not share the stage with the famous people who come here and they do not try to get attention. They are to me, an American success story. I don't understand why people move here and enjoy this place and some of them can't see what effort on their part it took to create and maintain it.

More words of wisdom.........

The Villages was quite a surprise to us. I knew it would be nice, but my husband was astounded at how truly nice it was.

We've seen Florida developements that start out hopefully.....then kind of sink into decay. WE did not see any shabby parts in the Villages.
Plenty of choices for everyone re their pocketbooks.

Although I didn't personally like the look of Spanish Springs, we both LOVED Lake Sumter Landing. Perhaps it was just that it reminded us more of New England combined with a Key West Florida kind of theme.

Brownwood will also appeal to a lot of western folks.

We have family members who say, "Don't want to live in an adult Disney World" or it's "nice but not the real world"....."it's artificial".....well, many people don't want to retire to an isolated developement in the middle of nowhere surrounded by highways. The Villages did not seem isolated. It had everything anyone could want.

It had a lot more fast moving traffic than we expected, coming from our small town.....but that's what happens when a place gets big and dense.

I would say the original developer and his children have done a remarkable job in creating a very nice retirement haven for all who wish to either winter there or buy a permanent residence, all year round.

It's excels over anything we have seen.......and we've seen most of Florida.

Any innovative successful business person has naysayers.......

Has anyone gone out to see "Ave Maria" in the Naples boondocks?????
That developer is a big pizza magnate....or was. I check up on it every so often.........and it never "took off" like THE VILLAGES did.

Their website isn't a quarter as well planned out as The Villiages is.

I'd say THE VILLAGES has an excellent marketing staff........which just assists in helping the place "sell itself"............

Now, although the homes at Ave Maria are larger and many are two stories, last I looked........and it is for ALL AGES........and although we could have taken a ride over there..........we did not.

Hopefully, the younger generation of the Morse family will continue on with their grandfather's dream.

And as the old saying goes, "It takes a village to raise a child", maybe it takes a village to raise volunteers for all the "extras" that may be becoming prohibitive as the price of EVERYTHING escalates.

If you really feel you live in a village of like minded neighbors, recruit them to participate, if they are able, for all the parades and such.....but I think I read they are still going to continue......(for those who are younger and more physically able, they can build the floats, etc.) and for those with secretarial skills, they can type and print out posters.......or what have you........for advertising. You don't need the Morse family for everything. How do you think little towns run?

Anyway, Gracie's words of wisdom above are always appropriate and I agree with her..........everything we saw was sparkling and nice, freshly painted, etc.

[Challenger]

If you want a parade, or any other activity, organize it yourself or join a group which has similar interest(1500 + clubs in TV) and make it happen. Oh! that is too much trouble , we would prefer BIG Daddy to spoon feed us.

Sounds much like many other aspects of the emerging American story.

[Bogie Shooter]

How does that song go....on and on....on and on.....on and on.
Sometimes like a broken record. By some posters.

[JoeC1947]

How does that song go....on and on....on and on.....on and on.
Sometimes like a broken record.

Hey Bogie, I noticed your post was #76 in this thread so how about this song.

"Seventy-six trombones left the big parade".

I know, I know, that was a little corny but it's early.

[Joaniesmom]

All I have to do is look at the card table chairs in any of the rec centers to know that "they" are giving us more than necessary. They aren't just folding chairs, they are heavy, many on rollers, and upholstered to match the theme of the rec center. They paint every single structure in all of the rec facilities once a year. They didn't have to make the ground so fancy at Brownwood or plant 60 foot live oaks surrounding it either. I don't know those danged Morses, but I see generous people who want to do it right.

I think that a lot said against them is simply because they ARE successful and prosperous and many are jealous of those who have become financially successful.... But it was their money that was risked.

I don't think many...if anybody who lives here, know them personally . I have heard both of our builders and folks who work for Mike's Maintainance speak of them kindly. The man who came to tell us about Mike's Maintainace's residential program said that they had come from Michigan with the Morses and that the Morses were good and hard working people. He was older than us and I was glad to meet someone who had really known them.

They do not share the stage with the famous people who come here and they do not try to get attention. They are to me, an American success story. I don't understand why people move here and enjoy this place and some of them can't see what effort on their part it took to create and maintain it.


Gracie Girl, I agree with you 100%

Well said!

[Mack184]

I think that a lot said against them is simply because they ARE successful and prosperous and many are jealous of those who have become financially successful.... But it was their money that was risked.



They are to me, an American success story. I don't understand why people move here and enjoy this place and some of them can't see what effort on their part it took to create and maintain it.
The narrative that is quickly being adopted here in the USA is that somehow people who came up with an idea, worked hard to bring it to life and then prospered from it are evil, greedy people. What utter nonsense. My father was an R&D engineer for IBM. He didn't talk about the things that he did, and if you asked him, his answer was "I'm not allowed to discuss it". Only after he passed away did I find out that he held 39 separate patents on what are now some very common pieces of technology. He was a creator. And he profited handsomely from it. Was he evil or greedy? Not in MY book!

We are fast evolving into a "gimme" society. If you want something make it yourself...do it yourself...organize it yourself, don't demand that someone else do it for you just because you feel entitled to have it.

You always have two choices in life..To pass or to play. If you find the Morse family so odious & greedy, then there are MANY other communities where you can hang your hat.

[golf2140]

All I have to do is look at the card table chairs in any of the rec centers to know that "they" are giving us more than necessary. They aren't just folding chairs, they are heavy, many on rollers, and upholstered to match the theme of the rec center. They paint every single structure in all of the rec facilities once a year. They didn't have to make the ground so fancy at Brownwood or plant 60 foot live oaks surrounding it either. I don't know those danged Morses, but I see generous people who want to do it right.

I think that a lot said against them is simply because they ARE successful and prosperous and many are jealous of those who have become financially successful.... But it was their money that was risked.

I don't think many...if anybody who lives here, know them personally . I have heard both of our builders and folks who work for Mike's Maintainance speak of them kindly. The man who came to tell us about Mike's Maintainace's residential program said that they had come from Michigan with the Morses and that the Morses were good and hard working people. He was older than us and I was glad to meet someone who had really known them.

They do not share the stage with the famous people who come here and they do not try to get attention. They are to me, an American success story. I don't understand why people move here and enjoy this place and some of them can't see what effort on their part it took to create and maintain it.

:BigApplause::BigApplause::BigApplause::BigApplaus e::BigApplause:

[travelguy]

I guess that I am a curmudgeon. Since we did not have our children until we were in our mid-thirties, and our kids now are in their late twenties, and probably will not have children of their own for at least 5-8 +/- years....I am wondering? What is this all about as far as having grand children? I am having a hard time getting 'into it'. I remember when our own children were infants/tots....and I do not remember enjoying it.

[senior citizen]

If you want a parade, or any other activity, organize it yourself or join a group which has similar interest(1500 + clubs in TV) and make it happen. Oh! that is too much trouble , we would prefer BIG Daddy to spoon feed us.

Sounds much like many other aspects of the emerging American story.

Exactly. Where there is a will, there is a way. No one needs big brother or as you call it big daddy.

[senior citizen]

I guess that I am a curmudgeon. Since we did not have our children until we were in our mid-thirties, and our kids now are in their late twenties, and probably will not have children of their own for at least 5-8 +/- years....I am wondering? What is this all about as far as having grand children? I am having a hard time getting 'into it'. I remember when our own children were infants/tots....and I do not remember enjoying it.

We were 23 with our first and 25 when our second was born.
Everyone told us that we would be young grandparents.
Wish it had been so. But it wasn't to be.

After they go 4 years to the university and then another 2 years for their M.B.A. or Masters degree........get married, buy the homes, etc. our daughter and her husband adopted their first child at age 35 (she's now 18) and she was followed by a son and a daughter, delivered by the stork the natural way. So we were in our early 50's when our first came along as she was already 6 years old and their foster child......followed by the grandson and grandaughter........

Our son always wanted a family but with his first marriage it just wasn't to be..........he became a father for the first time at age 39 and now again at 41. So we have two new "babies" whom everyone adores and two school aged grandchildren plus our very first grandchild NUMBER ONE who was adopted. She was like a gift from heaven.

We are 67 and our son and his wife plan to have a lot more children; they want a big family. She's 28 so that is quite possible.

I enjoyed my own babies; I was lucky enough to be able to be at home as a fulltime mother..........every little milestone is applauded. They really learn so much the first year..........we were in awe of our babies and the children and teens they grew into........now adults. It takes sacrifice but it is well worth every minute spent with them. We didn't mind at all.
Family was our "thing". We didn't feel deprived of any other "things" by caring for the babies, toddlers, school aged or even the teenaged kids.

Now the grandkids visit and go home........but they love to come down here and sleep over...........we visit up there as well. But it's true what they say about grandchildren..........you enjoy them and then they get to "go home". The new babies are in Colorado but when the first visited here each of the past two years, she is a delight to have around. Always learning something new and what a huge vocabulary. They read to her all the time..........just as I did with mine. KIDS ARE AMAZING.

We planned our original kids.......first the girl arrived and three years later our son arrived.

And we thought we'd never have any grandchildren......now we have 5.
4 girls and 1 boy.

[bimmertl]

We were 23 with our first and 25 when our second was born.
Everyone told us that we would be young grandparents.
Wish it had been so. But it wasn't to be.

After they go 4 years to the university and then another 2 years for their M.B.A. or Masters degree........get married, buy the homes, etc. our daughter and her husband adopted their first child at age 35 (she's now 18) and she was followed by a son and a daughter, delivered by the stork the natural way. So we were in our early 50's when our first came along as she was already 6 years old and their foster child......followed by the grandson and grandaughter........

Our son always wanted a family but with his first marriage it just wasn't to be..........he became a father for the first time at age 39 and now again at 41. So we have two new "babies" whom everyone adores and two school aged grandchildren plus our very first grandchild NUMBER ONE who was adopted. She was like a gift from heaven.

We are 67 and our son and his wife plan to have a lot more children; they want a big family. She's 28 so that is quite possible.

I enjoyed my own babies; I was lucky enough to be able to be at home as a fulltime mother..........every little milestone is applauded. They really learn so much the first year..........we were in awe of our babies and the children and teens they grew into........now adults. It takes sacrifice but it is well worth every minute spent with them. We didn't mind at all.
Family was our "thing". We didn't feel deprived of any other "things" by caring for the babies, toddlers, school aged or even the teenaged kids.

Now the grandkids visit and go home........but they love to come down here and sleep over...........we visit up there as well. But it's true what they say about grandchildren..........you enjoy them and then they get to "go home". The new babies are in Colorado but when the first visited here each of the past two years, she is a delight to have around. Always learning something new and what a huge vocabulary. They read to her all the time..........just as I did with mine. KIDS ARE AMAZING.

We planned our original kids.......first the girl arrived and three years later our son arrived.

And we thought we'd never have any grandchildren......now we have 5.
4 girls and 1 boy.

Is there a "family tree" thread somewhere that somehow got into this one?

[Bogie Shooter]

the song on and on, on and on..............................

[Shimpy]

I thought I'd check the last page of this post but must have done something wrong. Wasn't this post about if they were going to cancel all parades?

[manaboutown]

Some folks really love parades. The Wall Street Journal had an article on October, 16, 2012 about what has happened in Canonsburg, PA. Years ago people used to place their chairs strategically several days in advance along the parade route. Over time things escalated and reached the point where people were chaining and padlocking their chairs to parking meters three weeks in advance of a parade. Last summer the authorites took action and restricted advanced chair placement to no earlier than 6:00 a.m. for the fourth of July parade. This created great unhappiness and a petition to reconsider. Now chair placement can be no more than 48 hours in advance of the parade.

[Shimpy]

Years ago people used to place their chairs strategically several days in advance along the parade route. Over time things escalated and reached the point where people were chaining and padlocking their chairs to parking meters three weeks in advance of a parade. .

Sounds like our neighborhood social parties. Wife and I get there very early and find that most of the tables and chairs are "saved" even though almost no one is there. Seems all the little "clicks" want to keep others from socializing. As a result we no longer go.

[Patty55]

Some folks really love parades. The Wall Street Journal had an article on October, 16, 2012 about what has happened in Canonsburg, PA. Years ago people used to place their chairs strategically several days in advance along the parade route. Over time things escalated and reached the point where people were chaining and padlocking their chairs to parking meters three weeks in advance of a parade. Last summer the authorites took action and restricted advanced chair placement to no earlier than 6:00 a.m. for the fourth of July parade. This created great unhappiness and a petition to reconsider. Now chair placement can be no more than 48 hours in advance of the parade.

Those people need help.

Just for the record, I don't like parades, carnivals or the circus.

[graciegirl]

Those people need help.

Just for the record, I don't like parades, carnivals or the circus.

Patty! ME EITHER. I always thought I was all alone on this.

[Patty55]

Patty! ME EITHER. I always thought I was all alone on this.

Nope, I read on the internet that everyone secretly hates them.

[Joaniesmom]

This is from NOVEMBER 2012 issue of The Village Voice

Go to the last two lines...Question. Will holiday parades be continued in each square?

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

That seems to answer the question. 'Nuff said.

[mulligan]

YYYUUUUUUPPPP We tried that about 9 pages back. They still won't stop.

[Trish Crocker]

Those people need help.

Just for the record, I don't like parades, carnivals or the circus.

Thank you for saying that. I have never liked any of them!

[billethkid]

your minority reported is so noted!!

btk

[Taltarzac725]

Nope, I read on the internet that everyone secretly hates them.

You should see the Russian girl I am dating on the Internet. Oh, actually that turned out to be a man in Oslo. A 400 lb 55 year old 4 ft. 2 inch. man.

Will we just have to wait and see if there are parades in 2013 in the Villages. Not much we can actually do about it if the Morses decide they no longer want them here.

Many of us sure wanted the Buffalo to stay.

[graciegirl]

...

[JoeC1947]

You should see the Russian girl I am dating on the Internet. Oh, actually that turned out to be a man in Oslo. A 400 lb 55 year old 4 ft. 2 inch. man.

Will we just have to wait and see if there are parades in 2013 in the Villages. Not much we can actually do about it if the Morses decide they no longer want them here.

Many of sure wanted the Buffalo to stay.

The buffalo were part or the reason I moved here. I wanted a home where the buffalo roam and the skies are not cloudy all day.

I guess I'll have to settle for clear skies.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

The buffalo were part or the reason I moved here. I wanted a home where the buffalo roam and the skies are not cloudy all day.

I guess I'll have to settle for clear skies.

Glad deer and antelope cavorting about weren't part of the equation! :pepper2:

:jester:

Bill :)

[rubicon]

Another one of those rumors that are suspect. Seems some folks just can't get enough of high drama. The parades will continue, so dust off your customes and be ready yo decorate your carts.

[graciegirl]

Glad deer and antelope cavorting about weren't part of the equation! :pepper2:

:jester:

Bill :)




OR.............. the part where....


Seldom was heard a discouraging word......Don't cha know? ;)

[Taltarzac725]

OR.............. the part where....


Seldom was heard a discouraging word......Don't cha know? ;)

That's very true. I often think that TOTV and the Villages is kind of like Cocoon meets The Brady Bunch. Graciegirl, Graciegirl, Graciegirl.

[jrosaltal1]

What happened at the Wednesday meeting that was to discuss the cancelling of all parades for 2013?