Colors proudly waved

STANDARD-TIMES photos by Arthur Spragg

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Santa Rita parade celebrates nation's freedom

By JOE RUIZ
jruiz@sastandardtimes.com or 659-8262

Three-year-old Lincoln Hama sat in a teal green plastic wagon and enjoyed a short ride as his mom, Linda, pulled him down Madison Street, Avenue L and finally Paseo de Vaca.

About 350 people - including 200 children - and more than 20 pets did so, as well.

The Greater Santa Rita Homeowners Association, as part of its 25th-year celebration, sponsored its 12th annual Independence Day parade through the streets of the subdivision Tuesday morning.

The parade participants dressed in patriotic colors, waved tiny American flags and rode bikes and roller skates as they traveled five blocks to the cheers and waves of about 100 spectators lining the parade route.

Lincoln's brother, Sebastian Hama, 7, rode a bike with two pinwheels tied to his handlebars and a flag attached to the rear of his seat.

''They love to come down here because of the crowd, the community and the holiday,'' said their dad, Mark Hama. ''Sebastian, in particular, has a strong sense of community with the neighborhood.''

Tuesday's Santa Rita parade was the fourth in which the Hama family has participated.

After being led in the Pledge of Allegiance and ''The Star-Spangled Banner,'' a procession of residents followed a San Angelo Police Department bike officer, an honor guard from the San Angelo Fire Department and a city fire engine.

The fire engine has been part of the parade for seven years, said Richard Easingwood, a Santa Rita resident and Tom Green County Precinct 4 commissioner.

Tanya Pfluger wore a large patriotic top hat and threw candy to observers as they cheered the parade participants, who included her husband and three children.

''They love being a part of the community,'' Pfluger said. ''It's a good way to see each other again. Every summer, we get to get back together.''

Even with the relatively mild San Angelo temperatures at the time of the parade, the surprise at the end of the parade route was welcome to most everybody who joined together for a mid-morning walk through the neighborhood, especially Sebastian: ''I get free water, and I can ride my bike,'' he said.