Big Parade in Alex; Cub shoots it

23rd Annual Vikingland Festival
Although the temperature was forecast to be in the mid-90's (which seems usual for this event), a beautiful day in the low-80's, with a mild breeze, greeted the 21 competing bands this year. This year's grand marshals, radio personalities Patty Wicken and Dennis Anhalt, led the parade, followed by the Alexandria Marching Band. At that point, however, the cub reporter had to bolt for home, stopping for tonic water along the way, in anticipation of afternoon guests.

In a previous assignment, Obert produced the photo at right of U of M President Robert Bruininks, his wife Ruthie, and Alexandria Mayor Dan Ness in Sixth Avenue Wine & Ale, co-owned by Ness's wife, DiAnn, his son Barry, and Kierstin Mann. Ness is an alum of the Alexandria Class of '57, Obert believes, but did not check out. He also did not find out what Bruininks was doing in town.

(Personal note to the cub reporter from blog editor: The press pass you were issued is supposed to help you get closer to the action. Today I cropped out enough backs of heads along the parade route to keep a barber working for a year. Also, most of your work lately seems to involve you or your wife drinking wine. I must remind you that alcoholic beverages are no longer allowed on your expense account, even if you are interviewing the Alexandria mayor, the fact that he owns part of a liquor store not withstanding. How did he get the license? Sorry if I am a bit cranky today, but my shingles are acting up.)

Cub has alibi

Obert's most creative work comes when posting an alibi to the editor. Here's his latest:

I apologize for the crappy Vikingland pix. I recognized at the time they were substandard - but I forgot my "blog" credentials and crabby people along the sidewalk kept yelling at photographers to get out of the way!! And it was quick in and out for the parade.

We got home late the night before from an all-day adventure to New Ulm (Herman the German), St. Peter (Gustavus), and S. Minneapolis (college buddy's (on the right) 60th b'day party). The out-of-the-way trips to New Ulm and St. Peter occurred as a result of unsuccessful attempts to meet up with the HQ in Minneapolis before the birthday party.

- Cubbie

p.s. Bruininks was in town to have his picture taken with Ruthie - the mayor thought it a good photo op for himself as well.

__________

Editor responds: Nice Shirt, Tom -- TB