I wrote the following intending to send it in to the People’s Paper, a local paper that publishes anything and everything. It contains what I call low stakes writing – writing that is for lower level publications. There is no pressure in doing this kind of writing, and of course no accolades.

There isn’t much substantial in the People’s Paper. I’d like to think that my monthly articles are an exception.

This article was one in which I wrote for surprise. I had no idea as to what I was going to write about when I put pen to paper. I first wrote a rough draft. I realized that I was going to write about my participation in the Alaska State Fair parade when I made note of the fact that we attend events. As I wrote and revised what I’d written, the subject of the fair parade surfaced, and I decided to run with it. I wanted my readership to know just how much work goes into what seems like a trifling parade activity.

Steve and Robert check out the tricycle bicycle

The bigger floats got the attention and the accolades. Those of us passing out books to kids were not noticed or commended for our hard work. This is okay – there are good years and not so good years.

I became committed to this topic when I started writing about the tricycle bicycle. I am limited each month to 800 words. If I was given more wordage, I would have elaborated on the bicycle aspect of my story.

Readers, enjoy!

The Bright Lights Book Project: Preparing for and Participating in the Alaska State Fair Parade

Nowadays, when I give my elevator speech, most Mat-Su residents say that they know about the Bright Lights Book Project. They then explain that they’ve picked up some really good books at one of several our bookcases. A discussion about particular books follows.

This is not a matter of happenstance. For the past two years we’ve been a visible presence at community events such as Palmer’s Friday Fling.

Our event planning begins several weeks in advance. Our participation in this year’s Alaska State Fair was no exception. Two months ago, I woke up at 2:00 a.m. with a brilliant idea, which was to pass out books at the Alaska State Fair parade. I pictured a huge float, one with bookcases full of books. I then dismissed this idea because passing out books from a trailer bed would be near impossible.

An image of one person driving our car, and another following on a tricycle bicycle next came to mind. Walkers could remove books from the bicycle basket, and when the supply ran low, reload the basket from the back of the car.

I woke Pete up and told him my idea. “Sounds good,” he mumbled. Pete’s okay meant my idea was feasible. The next day I sprung into action. I submitted the parade application, asking if we might be able to follow the Mat-Su Senior Center float. This, I added, was because the seniors had been book recipients for the past three years.

Finding a tricycle bicycle took considerable time. A fellow named John, who I’d met at the senior center, agreed to lend me his tricycle bicycle. His was a beautiful maroon Schwinn with a loud bell and good brakes. As I told John, his bicycle would be “absolutely perfect” for distributing books on the parade fair route.

I spent several more days selecting, cleaning, and stamping age appropriate books. I then placed them in six clear bins that fit into the rear basket. Pete had a sign with the BLBP logo printed up at the UPS store. He also ordered tee shirts for our walkers.

The day before the ride, I donned my bright orange helmet and wheeled the tricycle bicycle out the Eagle Hotel side door and into the parking lot. I’d planned on riding to the senior center and checking out their float.

I got on the tricycle bicycle and waved to the onlookers, three hotel residents. The tricycle bicycle veered to the left and hit a truck bumper. I got off the tricycle bicycle, wheeled it to the center of the parking lot, and got back on. I, with both hands on the handlebars, pushed hard on the pedals. This time it veered to the left and hit the Bright Lights Book Store vehicle.

Steve, who is one of the three hotel residents, came over to me. “This can’t be,” I screeched. “I’m an experienced bicycle tourist. I’ve ridden twice solo across the U.S. and rode the Continental Divide Trail all by myself. This bicycle is trying to kill me.”

“Can I try?” Steve asked.

“Sure,” I said.

Steve, tall and lanky, hopped on the bicycle and rode it around the parking lot.

“Oh, you must be a really experienced tricyclist. Bet you’ve ridden around the world.”

Steve laughed, then added that he’d be glad to ride the tricycle bicycle in the parade. I agreed, for otherwise, the BLBP would be a parade no-show.

The following day dawned overcast. I repeatedly glanced at the sky and checked the weather report. If it rained, we’d have to put the books in the BLBP vehicle and forego distribution. Others assured me that it would hold off.

Our parade assemblage consisted of Me and five BLBP board members: Robert Wallace, Pat Purcell, Pam Hyck, Sarah Welton, and Pete Praetorius; one volunteer (Timothy Miller), and one tricycle bicycle rider (Steve.)

We followed the senior center parade float and passed out books on the designated route. Steve rode in front of me, and with one hand, passed out books. I did the same. The crowd was small on Denali Street. The crowd was very large on Alaska Street. My plans for a unified assemblage then fell apart. The car got ahead of the walkers. We walkers scrambled to keep up with our vehicle, which was being passed by other cars. I failed to make it to the reviewer’s stand in order to hear my carefully scripted organization introduction. And there went any chance of our getting a prize.

A short while later our crew met up at the Alaska Veteran and Pioneer’s Home and commended one another for a job well done.

I began planning for next year. I’ll bring my pack horse, Hrimfara, and my pack goat Sastrugi. And Steve, if he wants, can ride the tricycle bicycle.

Next: 242. 9/4/23: The Power of the Imagination