100 years of Girl Scouting

September 22, 2012

Girls Scouts' 100^th Birthday Celebration Parade

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri (St. Louis area) celebrated the Girl Scout’s 100^th Birthday by having a parade downtown.  Troops were invited to put together their own floats and participate in the parade.  Abby’s troop voted to participate.  

They choose the theme:  100 years of Outdoor Fun.  We designed their float to be an outdoor area with a creek, canoe, tent, bonfire, wild animals, and lots of trees.  Some of the families helped the weekend before the parade to get the float ready at their leader’s house. 

Some of the girls dressed up as native Missouri animals.  Abby chose to be an owl.  I did some research on where to buy  an owl costume and discovered that I might actually be able to make one (with some help).  I enlisted the help of Shawn and her mother to help me with the sewing.  What we put together turned out really adorable.  {A Big THANK YOU to Shawn and her mom!}

Abby (and I) was so excited to be in a parade for the very first time.  It's all she talked about for days.  

The day of the parade brought gorgeous weather!  We all headed downtown.  After helping the troop get the float all put together, Gregory, Leah and Cameron went on down the parade route to find a prime watching spot and meet up with Douglas, Shawn and Ella.  I stayed with Abby and marched in the parade along with the troop. 

 

 During the parade the girls either stayed on the float or they could walk along side of it.  Most of them did both.  Abby really enjoyed "flying" around the float.  

Abby made a definite impression on parade watchers.  After the parade, many people  would come up to her and compliment her costume and her owl dance.  She was so proud! 

This is one experience I know Abby will never forget.  It was such a privilege to be in a huge downtown St. Louis parade.  She also couldn't be happier that she had just joined Girl Scouts only the year before.  She will tell you that she is so happy she joined in time for the 100th Birthday!! (Fun Fact:  2012 is also the 100th anniversary of the Titanic sinking and the Oreo)