The Statehood Festival
Thursday, February 14 - The 90th Anniversary of Arizona's Statehood.
Karol cleaned up after herself placing the dishes in rack to dry and made her way to the door, she wanted to get to the office a little early to see to a few things before the parade. She opened the door and saw a ribbon hanging from the doorknob a note hung on the door that said 'follow'.
She looked down to see the ribbon trail up the hall. She shut the door and followed it. At the end was Josiah's door. She smiled and knocked, the door opened on its own. She pushed it open and walked inside where another ribbon turned the corner into the living room. She slowly made her way around and stopped, sitting in the middle of the coffee table was two dozen pink and white roses and a long red box. She walked over and smelled the roses smiling.
She picked up the box and opened it, inside was a necklace of twisted rose colored pearls, she gasped and took it out holding it up to the light. A hand was placed on her shoulder. She turned and saw Josiah's handsome face grinning at her. "I take it you like it."
She threw her arms around him "Oh I love it."
He returned her embrace,"Good I'm glad. You want me to put it on you?"
She let him go and handed him the necklace,"Yes please do." She said excitedly turning around the lifting her hair from her shoulders.
Josiah secured the necklace around her neck and kissed her shoulder. Karol turned and kissed him. "Thank you I love it."
He returned the kiss."When I saw it I knew it would look perfect on you."
"I have you something but it hasn't arrived yet."
He shakes his head "Seeing the statement on your face is gift enough."
"I love you." she smiled.
"I love you too."
~~~~~~
Ezra smiled as he finished setting up the morning surprise for Trina. Though she normally wasn't a late sleeper, Trina had drank far more than usual last night and was still fairly dead to the world.
But this worked to his advantage. Ezra had worked hard on this surprise, and was thrilled when everything had arrived in time. Keeping it secret from Trina had been very difficult, and in fact, he'd resorted to spending more time at her place over the past week just to keep the secret.
He set out the last of the flowers, heather which had been imported from Scottland. Ezra hoped to give Trina a little touch of home. He also had a necklace crafted for her. Ezra placed that in his hand, and picked up a single sprig of heather. He walked back up the stairs and into the bedroom.
Trina was still sleeping. Ezra sat down next to her and bent down to place a kiss on her forehead. Trina opened her eyes slightly. First she smiled, then she groaned and closed her eyes. "Ach," she whispered.
Ezra reached over and picked up the glass of water he'd brought up earlier. "Here my love, have a sip." He set the flower on the bed and helped Trina to sit up. She sat and took a drink, then she focused on the flower and smiled.
Trina reached down and picked up the heather. "How did ye know?"
Ezra smiled and kissed her cheek. "I love you. Happy Valentine's Day."
Trina hugged him.
"That isn't all my sweet. Join me downstairs?" He knew that she would want to freshen up before doing so.
Trina smiled and nodded. "Aye, do ye mind?"
"I'll be waiting."
Trina quickly got up, suppressing the dizziness that came from moving too quickly.
Ezra did not have to wait long for Trina to rejoin him. She walked up to him and kissed him. "Thank ye fer the heather." She held it up.
Ezra simply took her hand and led her from the room, watching her statement. As they walked down the stairs and the living room came into view, Trina's eyes widened. The room was filled with heather and other wild flowers of the Scottish moors. She turned to him and hugged him hard. "It's like being home. Thank ye."
He had known she missed her native Scottland, but it wasn't until he saw her face this morning that he realized how much her exile hurt her. He knew she loved him, and was glad she had come here. But the part that wore on her was that she couldn't return. Ezra held her gently. Then he whispered, "There's more."
Ezra reached into his pocket and withdrew the necklace and held it up. Trina looked at him, smiling.
"It is--"
"It means that our hearts, our lives, they are as one. You are my life," Ezra whispered as he placed it around her neck.
Trina lifted it up, smiling. "I love you so much." Then she frowned. "But your gift, it's at my place."
"That's all right," Ezra said, kissing her.
"Can we go there?"
"Not right now. It may be selfish of me, but I want to just hold you until we must leave for the parade."
Trina could not believe it when she'd seen the Celtic symbol he'd presented with her, or that he knew what it meant. She did wish that her gift were her, and she truly hoped that Ezra would like what she had gotten for him. He had told her that he'd restored his Jaguar himself, and had maintained it. Almost all of it was comprised of original parts. But there were two parts that Ezra had not located yet, and had to use replicas. The grill and the hood ornament. She'd managed to get both for him. They weren't as romantic a gift as Ezra had given her. But she hoped he would like hem.
The two enjoyed a light breakfast together, and basically ignored the rest of the world until it was time for the parade.
~~~~~~~~~
Sirens blazed, signaling the start of the 85th Annual State Festival. The crowd gathered on the street, cheering the arrival of Rafe Ramierz and the State Police, Motorcycle Division. He was followed by the County Sheriff's Department. One car was driven by Captain Chris Larabee, and another by Sergeant JD Dunne. JD and Chris threw keychains emblazoned with the department logo.
The elementary school kids marched behind the sheriff's motorcade, carrying a banner which they had painted. It was painted with the sunrise and star of Arizona. The letters proclaimed "2002 Statehood Festival - Welcome to Four Corners!"
The next car on the scene was Carlton Watson, Sr., the mayor of Four Corners. The 2002 Mustang Convertible had been decked out with ribbons and flowers. Joanne Watson sat beside him. The duo waved to the crowd, and Carlton threw out campaign buttons to the crowd.
The Standish Grille float followed the mayor. Drew and Buck Wilmington stood atop the float, adorned with a makeshift bar, a cactus, and a large mug of beer. Behind the bar was the cook. He was grinning, honored about being asked to ride the float. Buck and Drew danced all over, waving to the crowd. They threw frisbees to the crowd. Buck occasionally would grab Drew about the waist and dip her before kissing her. Drew would merely smile. The float blasted music, and soon everyone was dancing as well.
Winifred Landry rode a black stallion right behind the Grille Float. She wore a red cape, and a sash reading "Arizona Queen, 1952." On top of her head was the crown and she carried a bouquet of roses. She looked every inch the Arizona Queen. The crowd cheered loudly as the Widow Landry made her appearance on the street.
Vin and Ridley rode their horses behind Winifred Landry, their horses decorated gloriously with the colors of the state flag.
Behind Vin and Ridley, Laura and Nathan rode their own steeds. They also had dressed their horses in the colors of the Festival.
Behind the horses, Second Hand Sue fielded a float. The float was a hodge podge of items, representing what could be found at the store. She had two young women from the reservation on the float with her, and the ladies threw out kazoos to the crowd.
Next came the antique cars. Ezra and Trina rode in Ezra's 1965 Jaguar. The car had a wreath of roses on the hood and Trina threw out handfuls of candy to the crowd. Candy was as confetti as the cars passed. Trina smiled as everyone cheered. She smiled at Ezra who simply waved to the throng gathered to watch.
Behind the cars was Karol and her zoo. Karol and Josiah walked behind, leading a goat and lamb. A couple children walked their pets. There were several dogs, and one intrepid cat, who was mostly being held by her owner. Josiah lead the goat along who every once in awhile butted up against Josiah's leg none too happy about being lead around.
The next float was met with great fanfare. This year, the Arizona Diamondbacks had won the World Series, faster than any other expansion team had ever done so before. The whole state was proud of their Diamondbacks, so this year's parade committee had insisted on giving the team a float. However, getting the major league players to come to town proved impossible. So they had decided to have the t-ballers ride. The float was called "Dreams Come True." The youngsters threw out keychains with little baseball bats or baseball caps.
Behind the float a marching band sounded, and the county high school appeared on the street. The majorettes twirled their batons as the group marched proudly down the streets.
The next to arrive was a car holding a few of the pageant judges. They threw Arizona state flags to the crowd. But the float that everyone waited on was the one which held the reigning Arizona Queen and her Court. This year, the pageant was celebrating it's 50th anniversary. The Queen and the court waved to the crowd. This was the end of their year. In just a few hours, a new queen would reign.
A few more motorcycles followed behind the Court Float.
They had covered the mile of main street and the crowd was satisfied. Everyone walked down to the Festival Grounds where in just a little over an hour, the Rodeo would officially kick off.
The Arizona Statehood Festival had begun and Four Corners was alive with people waiting to celebrate their state.
~~~
Promptly at 3 pm the mayor took the podium at the grandstand. The rodeo was about to begin.
Mayor Carlton Watson cleared his throat. “Ladies and gentleman. I´d like to welcome you to Statehood Festival 2002! We want to thank everyone for coming out and joining us for what we promise will be an event to remember.”
Buck stood onstage with Chris. Drew smiled up at him as he winked to her. She stood next to JD listening to the mayor.
Ridley and Vin stood near talking with her father.
Josiah was helping Karol with some last minute set up´s for her station. Karol was there to see to the animals and make sure they all passed regulation. Also in case of any emergencies that might occur.
The new doctor Chanu Jones was set up nearby as well along with the local paramedics. Buck and Chris made sure they had all their bases covered in case of any emergency.
Laura and Nathan were in the crowd sitting with her family. All seemed to be talking and enjoying things so far.
They mayor speech drug on. Drew looked around wondering where Trina and Ezra were. She turned back to the stage as the mayor passed the microphone to Chris to announce the kick off of the rodeo.
Chris looked to the crowd. “As always we´re glad to see you all out here for the kick off of this years rodeo. We promise you a good show.”
Buck slapped his back and smiled.
Chris winked. “I want to thank my partner, Buck Wilmington, here for his hard work in helping to put this thing together.”
Drew whistled and whooped loudly with the mention of Buck´s name.
Chris looked to Buck. “You want to say a few words?”
Buck smiled and took the microphone and looked to everyone. “Let´s ride!”
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Buck turned towards Drew, “I love you, Drew.” He spoke softly into the microphone he still held in his hand.
JD reached over and rubbed Drew´s shoulder “aww isn´t that just enough to make you want to yack?“ He laughed as Drew playfully punched him in the gut.
Buck hoped down off the stage. “Kick his ass Sunshine.” Buck pulled Drew to him kissing the top of her head. “I need to get to work.” He looked around. I don´t want you down in the pit area it´s too dangerous. I know a few of the women wanted to compete and all but Chris and I re-searched it and this event is just not big enough, plus with the liability. Just can´t do it. I´m personally glad we´re not. As crazy as you are gal you´d want in.”
“I´m going to leave you two alone and go get ready for my event.” JD would be participating for the first time in the rodeo and was up in the first event of the day.
Buck waved as Drew looked to him in protest.
“I could do it.” Drew said.
“The hell you will! Too dangerous.” Buck waved his hands in front of him, “no way.” He sighed as Drew pouted then nuzzled her neck to get her to giggle.
Trina walked over to join them.
“Trina! Where have you been?” Drew smiled to her.
“You and Ez been doin´ the hokey pokey Red?” Buck grinned mischievously.
Trina blushed "Ezra left something at his house," she said softly. But her eyes said something else.
Buck waggled his eyebrows, “I bet he did.” He teased as Trina blushed more. Buck reached down and grabbed Drew´s bottom giving it a playful squeeze then pat. “You go on and have a seat now sweet cheeks. Wish me luck.” He winked then kissed her.
“Good luck,” Drew murmured as she watched him walk off. She took Trina´s hand. “Let´s go find a seat.” She looked around. “Where´s Ezra?”
Trina pointed up to the stand “He wanted to get good seats.”
Drew laughed as she walked over with Trina.
Trina stood, looking for Ezra. She shrugged, not able to see him.
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