For the last couple of years, I've lead the charge (with our Assistant Store Manager, Desiree) to assemble and decorate a Bookmans bike-powered float for the Flagstaff 4th of July parade. This year, our kids' books expert Professor Pepe did the building and our visual merchandiser Regina, the sweetest girl ever, did the decorating, but I'm still proud to be involved. I did my part by surviving the American Legion meeting where all parade participants suddenly feel like we've been sent to the principal's office (or joined the armed forces) while we get yelled at to never ever throw things from our float. After all, it could take an eye out!

Last year we were actually pedaling behind a Humvee, and we were a big hit in eco-centric Flag, particularly when we started sweating our way up that final hill. This year, we have a “We Will Return” bat/book cave, complete with foliage, a radio flier full of books, and a toddler driving a Kettcar. We'll have five brave cyclists, since this baby weighs a ton! We'll also be giving away free “We Will Return” tee-shirts, temporary tattoos and other goodies.

Although I consider myself more patriotic than nationalistic, I love 4th of July parades in all their campy joyfulness, and always feel like I can be the beauty queen I never was. I'll be out there, working hard (too hard) to push my kids' jogging stroller while perfecting my “elbow-elbow-wrist-wrist-wrist” parade queen wave. Come see us if you can - we'll be the motley crew with the homemade bike float, but we hope you won't love us any less for our funkiness. Maybe you can even give us a cheer or two, since we're going to need it to get up those hills. I can already hear the roar of the crowd: “Dig, dig, dig! Goooo Bookmans!”

The parade starts at 9am sharp, this Saturday July 3rd in downtown Flagstaff. We hope to see you out there!