The Memorial Day Parade in Rhode Island 2010

This is my Anniversary with Hearthside House. One year ago, I had my first event walking in the Memorial Day Parade. I am happy to be here again at this great event.

Our Float!
A truck provided by Gaudette Machine Moving of Lincoln, was secured that could be used for the Hearthside float. It was a 40 foot trailer with a 20 foot cab----more space than was ever imagined. There was no missing the Hearthside float as it came down Smithfield Avenue during the parade....the floatila must have been some 100 feet long! It truly was our finest showing! So it was only fitting that the Hearthside float was awarded 1st place! It was especially meaningful that it happened during our 200th anniversary year.

200TH Anniversary
Our entry included the Hearthside 200th Anniversary banner, "Celebrating Lincoln's Heritage: Past, Present and Future" announcing our arrival on the parade route, as well as being on the front of the truck, Civil War soldiers, ladies in hoop dresses, a cutout of the Hearthside roofline on top of the truck cab. The trailor was decorated with red, white and blue banners and bunting, and a statement along the side, "Bringing Our History to Life." The trailer was quite colorful with all the various scenes and costumes on board that depict the various activities conducted by Friends of Hearthside: an antique sleigh filled with gifts and a Christmas tree, Native American representatives, our blacksmith with his anvil, grinding wheel and work table, a school desk and bell with two children, a spinning wheel and yarn winder with two ladies, and two ladies at an afternoon tea scene. The feature of the float though was the Hearthside replica, complete with stone path and decked out with bunting.

Some of us couldn't get enough with one parade and went on to the North Providence parade immediately afterward, but without our float. While we planned to walk, we had the good fortune of being invited onto the Sunset Stables float which had elegant antique carriages aboard. It was a perfect match to have us in our costumes riding in those beautiful carriages!

Friends of Hearthside will be honored at the next Town Council meeting. Thanks to all who helped decorate, participated in the parade, and unassembled the float. And special thanks to Gaudette Machine Moving and to Sunset Stables! The replica is now being weatherized and is going to be seen at the front of Town Hall during the summer months so it can be appreciated by all the town's residents!