Walk Dude

Dillingham, Alaska when my brother Todd and I were there (1995 - 1997) was a very secluded part of the world, it still is I guess, but Internet availability probably changes a lot. When I was there, we had no Internet, though we did have cable TV, so it wasn't even all that informationaly disconnected even in my day. It was certainly physically disconnected though.  There were no roads to or from Dillingham, it was kind of a hub town for a handful of scattered Yu'pik villages and a boat harbor with access to Bristol Bay.  No fast food, though there were a couple of restaurants, bars, and grocery stores.

One year, our supervisor directed us to participate in the local parade. We drove the company van through the streets of Dillingham. While we didn't have it together enough to create a proper float, we felt we should haul something, so we put an old Nordic Track exercise machine on the flatbed trailer and  hauled that behind us. Our supervisor created a wooden figure which we all referred to as the, "Walk Dude." Added a few balloons and some signage to identify ourselves and we were good to go.

The company van.

The "Walk Dude."

Signage, balloons, and brother Todd.

It may not have been the most impressive parade float to ever come out of the woodwork, but it served its purpose.

Driving into town.

It may not have been the most impressive parade float to ever see the light of day, but it served its purpose and it was hilarious. The weather was also terrible for a parade which made the whole endeavor ridiculous.

Once we hit town, there was a pretty good turnout:

 We threw out so much candy. The kids loved it.

 

It was pretty fun hauling a muddy balloon-decorated Nordic Track through town on a flatbed and throwing candy to the citizenry.

[Originally posted on I'm Nacho Steppinstone, Dec. 11 2004]