How to Attend the Lowell Indiana Labor Day Parade

The Lowell, Indiana Labor Day Parade is one of the oldest in the Midwest. A beloved tradition since 1919, the parade pays homage days of old with floats honoring the police force, marching bands and an old-fashioned parade float contest. The parade also has the distinction of being one of the largest parades held in a town with a population under 50,000.



Step1
Stay around for the competitions. The Lowell, Indiana Labor Day Parade rewards the best marching/walking unit, the best musical float and the best marching high school band, among others. The prize to best motorized entry is one of the highlights of the parade.


Step2
Participate in the parade. Many of the local floats post a call for "riders" to join in and ride their floats. The posts are advertised in the local newspapers or on the Internet and include a common meeting point so people can just drop by and join in the fun.


Step3
Appreciate the adherence to old traditions. The Lowell Labor Day Parade has not changed much since it's inception. The longest-running parade in Northwest Indiana, the Lowell parade even includes antique cars making their way around the city center, which draws curious looks from locals and visitors alike.


Step4
Be prepared for some unconventional entertainment. Along with local schools and emergency response teams, area businesses commonly send out representatives to march in the parade. In past years, these teams have marched to everything from current tunes to bagpipes.


Step5
Stick around for the finale. The late-night firework display is well worth sticking around for the whole day.


Step6
Attend the annual Harvest of Fun, which traditionally cushions the Labor Day Parade. Starting in late August, the town of Lowell puts on its annual Harvest of Fun, with local crafts and entertainment. Held at the American Legion Grounds, the Harvest of Fun also has a parade designed entirely by children.


Step7
Take advantage of the many festivities surrounding the parade, such as unique sales in local shops, restaurant specials and outdoor markets.


http://www.freewebtown.com/howtodothing/holidays-celebrations/3.htm#1

How to Afford to Send Roses on Valentine's Day

Roses are the classic romantic gift for Valentine's Day, but they can be pricey. Luckily, there are several affordable ways you can send roses and still get your loved one something special.


Step1
Buy individual flowers from the florist if you can't afford an arrangement. It's less expensive to make a bouquet yourself. Cut the flowers on an angle and immediately place them in water. Alternately, wrap the bottom of the stems in a wet paper towel and store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.


Step2
Place the individual flowers in an old vase or container. You could also forgo the vase altogether to save money. Wrap an inexpensive ribbon around your vase or bouquet to make it more personal and polished. Try making a tussie mussie for a unique gift.


Step3
Send a bud vase instead of a bouquet. You can send a single rose in an inexpensive small vase. You can often find bud vases at discount stores.


Step4
Sign up for newsletters at your favorite online florists. They will often send coupons before holidays like Valentine's Day. Look for roses in simple or plastic containers. Getting a nicer vase could add significantly to your overall costs. Order fewer roses or combine a single rose with other flowers to make ordering online less expensive.