wildlife wildflowers and waterfalls

Everyone stood as the Boys Scouts respectfully carried the Flags.

In the distance, a cadence followed by a whistle and the school fight song.

The Overbrook Fair parade made its way down Main Street. Overbrook is a small but progressive town of nearly 1,000 located on Highway 56 in Northern Osage County. Their annual fair is a popular area event.

We enjoyed the humorous interpretation the parade theme, America's National Parks. The Red Hat Society float entitled “New Mount Rushmore” featured four classy ladies with fabulous red hats standing behind a cardboard rendition of the familiar landmark.

A local 4-H club theme was Yellowstone Float Trip. A geyser in the form of a blast of water periodically surprised onlookers. Their canoe apparently had a leak as it required someone to bale water seemingly innocent of parade bystanders

Local businesses joined in the fun as two fishermen representing the local bate shop sat on the back of their float each with a fish dangling from their poles. Sadly, one fish appeared to be Nemo.

Traditional parade entries included beautifully renovated 60s era Camero, Mustang and MoPar muscle cars. Well groomed horses pranced while their riders waved. Everyone applauded the realistic miniature Prairie Schooner pulled by draft horses. Last but not least, were the Shriners with motorcycles and “topless” cars.

Mostly absent but not missed were politicians.

After the parade, we had a typical fair meal of cheesy fries and chili dog followed by a piece of homemade blueberry pie.

The rest of the evening, we grouped our lawn chairs while visiting with friends. As the sky darkened, the carnival lights grew brighter. Grandkids in our group rode several rides while others walked over to the livestock pavilion where the pigs were on parade in front of judges. The Overbrook fair has a relationship with the Osage County Fair, but is able to give those who enter an event the opportunity to compete against friends and neighbors who reside in counties nearby.

All too soon, the grandparents grew tired and gathered the reluntant grandchildren to head home. As we walked down the darkened street to our car, youth rode their bikes, couples walked with arms about each other all with the sounds of the demolition derby in the background. Small town fairs are the best.