December 6, 2022:
Neither gusting winds nor a fierce, slanting rainstorm could keep the Sunderland Elementary parents, students and staff from their appointed rounds. On Saturday, December 3rd, this included a trip through the cold and wet streets of Manchester in the annual Tractor Parade.
“Happy spirits,” declared one parent, "help us overcome the elements.” One pragmatic student, meanwhile, added, “I’m just glad I wore lots of layers.”
Sunderland Elementary’s hay wagon float stood out as the only Manchester parade entry from a local elementary school. “We’ve never done anything like this before,” said Sunderland Principal Jenn Turner. “This night is all about our Parent Teacher Group (PTG). They’ve made bringing our Sunderland families and staff together as a community a top priority as we emerge from the pandemic.”
No joke, with these parents. In October, the PTG sponsored a special Halloween Fright Night for the Sunderland families. A school dance followed in November. For the Manchester Tractor Parade, the PTG kicked it up to high gear.
PTG plans for the event fell under the joint leadership of parent members Jenni Appelman and Leisa Stepp. “Our teachers do great work for our children every single day,” said Stepp. “Events like the parade bring everyone together and let the parents say thank you.”
“We saw the parade as a celebration of our school and a chance to look forward to 2023,” added Appelman. “And besides, what’s not to like about dressing up for a parade, crowds of cheering people, holiday music and blinking lights?”
The Sunderland hay wagon, consistent with its theme “Our Future is Bright,” captured the attention of all the parade goers. Students, parents and staff donned lime green ski caps, antlers, lighted headbands, gloves with glowing multicolored fingers, and sunglasses branded with the upcoming year, 2023. The wagon itself was bedecked with holiday lights, balloons, oversized silver and red candy canes, and a huge 2023 license plate. An onboard sound system, meanwhile, boomed out holiday classics.
Parents and students rode the flatbed of the wagon dressed up with the Sunderland holiday swag, waving to the crowd. While the weather created some challenges, necessity once again was the mother of invention. At the last minute, for example, hay bales meant to be seated on were switched out for piled up gym mats from the school. “We couldn’t return wet hay to the farmer,” said a thoughtful parent. “It could make the animals sick.”
Outside the wagon, parents, teachers and a few of the older students created a Mardi Gras atmosphere as they accompanied the float on foot through the town. They passed out candy, glow sticks and beaded necklaces to an appreciative audience.
And what about 2023? What will the Sunderland PTG do to maintain its momentum for building a bright future for the school and its community?
“Valentine's Day is just around the corner,” said Appelman with a sly grin. “We’re already working on ideas.”
