Slapwater, Grand Marshals of the Hampton Holly Days Parade 12/10/05
The appearance of Slapwater as the Grand Marshals of 2005's Hampton Holly Days Parade was a great success! It began with the band meeting and shaking hands with the mayor of Hampton in the V.I.P. Area.
The Slapwater portion of the parade was led by the owner of Slapwater's sponsor, Peninsula Hardwood Mulch, in a white Hummer with Slapwater banners on the front, sides, and back. Following the Hummer was the band in a Virginia Beach Trolley provided by the parade organizers. As the parade started, the band couldn't be seen very well inside the trolley. The windows were dark and couldn't be rolled down. The band made a quick decision at the suggestion of Kenny Hunt to walk the parade route outside the trolley. The temperature outside was around 40 degrees... cold but not too cold.
It turned out to be a great decision. As the band walked, the crowds of people watching the parade were incredibly supportive of the band, cheering and shouting greetings to the band along the entire route. The band broke into spontaneous song, singing "Party Hardy" and "Stand By Me" a cappella as they walked.
All in all it was great fun and a great honor for the whole band. We will be eternally grateful to the parade organizers, the city of Hampton and it's residents who all treated Slapwater like royalty.
The Parade in it's entirety will be rebroadcast on WVEC-TV13 on December 24 at 5PM.