Stanley Cup Parade

Nate, Maddie and I went downtown to the Red Wings Stanley Cup parade. We went down there with Mark Kohne and his two kids, along with Fez. Mark Kohne almost didn't go because said that he would rather go shopping for patio furniture with his wife. After threatening him with his man-card, he relented and joined us. Being the poor example of parents, I took the kids out school for the day so they could witness the big event. They were both disappointed to miss tests, but they survived. I used the excuse that your team only wins the Stanley Cup so often, which Cathie refuted with the fact that the Wings have won it four times in Nate's lifetime. So much for logic.

We got down there at about ten over towards the Fox Theatre, near the beginning of the parade. It was stifling hot, 92 degrees without a breeze. The first half of the parade was stuff that we didn't care about: City Council members (no Kwame, though), marching bands and people who had no other purpose than to carry a banner. Then the greatness began with the likes of Gordy Howe, Steve Yzerman and Scotty Bowman. s you can see, we were right next to the players, who eventually came through. The crowd went nuts for all of the players and all of the trophies. The people around us were friendly and already a bit toasty by 11am. It didn't hinder their generosity and a cold beer has never tated better.

I tried to get a picture of Franzen, but somehow his wife blocked the shot. Not a complete loss, I guess. The players seemed to be having as much fun as the crowd - all of them with family and friends in the trucks, a drink in their hand and a family member video taping the crowd. Probably not something they want to forget any time soon.


And of course, the Cup! Lindstrom carried it over his head most of the way and I'm pretty sure he never got tired.



You can see the rest of the pictures here.