SUBSCRIBE VIA RSSThis isn’t a real post, just more or less an update. As well as an invitation.
When we purchased a fire engine from the Town of Perry last year, we made a promise to return for their fire department’s 125th Anniversary Parade in June 2012.
And come this Saturday, we’ll deliver on that promise when we roll into Perry, New York with a shined up fire truck. Lights whirling, sirens blaring, horn blasting…and riders riding. If you’re nearby, you’re welcome to ride along just as these little elves did during the “It’s a Wonderful Life” parade:
A few readers and their families rolled into town to take part. We'd love a repeat!
While I’m not a big fan of $170 oil changes, owning Perry has been an amazing experience. As we pledged to do, he’s used for parades, fundraisers, and community events. Even more enjoyable, he’s used as a mobile jungle gym by area children and is well known as the coolest taxi in the area. The smiles that spread when I pick up Michael and his friends from school in our fire engine makes every expense worthwhile.
For those willing to make the drive, Perry, New York is a small town located about 90 minutes from Buffalo, 45 minutes from Rochester, and 42 hours from Los Angeles. The parade starts at 7pm and we’ll be pulling into town around 5pm. If you think you can make the trip and would like to ride on Perry during the parade, just let me know. If you do happen to live in Los Angeles, it’s probably best that you leave now.
The impossible-to-resist combination of red and chrome.
When I was her age, the biggest fire engine I got
to play with was made by Matchbox.
Parade route seats still available!
Me and my co-pilot.
Me and the woman who made it all possible by not divorcing me when I came home and said, "Honey. I bought a fire truck."
So, think you can make it? Want to join us?
What if I sweetened the deal by offering up your very on plastic fire helmet upon arrival?
_____________________________________
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
You neglected to mention how far Perry is from Australia. I’m guessing it’s too late even if I left now. Bummer!
Aren’t you like 3 days behind us or something like that? So, it’s around Monday where you are. If you leave now, I believe the International Wormhole will get you here right on time.
um, WHY did you buy a firetruck?
not that it’s not a nice firetruck, but are you a hoarder? 
Elaine-´s last post…And the Church bells softly chime..
I’d be a hoarder if I had all of the compartments filled with tv dinner boxes and knick knacks.
Well, you two (and your kiddos!) couldn’t be any cuter. I’m hoping to meet you all and ride on my hometown’s engine with you!
Let’s make it happen!
My 5 year old son (the boy that dreams of being a Firefighter when he grows up) completely freaked out when he saw this. He did not know that you could actually BUY a truck and now….I think my ears will be filled with “why don’t we have one?” “Can we buy one?” “I have money in my piggy bank?” “I NEED one”. Probably the coolest thing I have ever seen and that’s just about every kids dream to be in a firetruck in a parade (put me in a princess dress with a tiara and my dream=complete!)
I have to agree with him. Why DON’T you have one?
I wish you lived closer because he could totally ride along and control the siren. Bring along your dress, every fire engine needs a princess.
You have the cutest co-pilot ever. And Heather wouldn’t divorce you over a firetruck – everyone knows you can’t divorce someone on the grounds of “He bought the most awesome vehicle EVER.”
Five plus hours is just a tad too long for me to drive for this…four and I probably would have loaded up the kidlings and done it. Have a great time!
Your wife truly is gorgeous! and understanding too! Not sure what I’d say or do…other than blink repeatedly if my husband came home with a FIRE TRUCK!
Awesome! Awesome!
My husband only comes home with power tools and stereo equipment…
(they’re DeWalt’s honey! Can I keep them?)
Christie Critters´s last post……and everything in its place
Reflecting back on a post you made recently, Michael’s friends should be more loyal and friendly if you are willing to pick them up from school in a fire truck…just sayin’.
Also, take lots of pictures please. Blog stalkers love pictures.
That looks like the happiest fire truck in all the land. He has a very good home.
I wish I could go.. but Im terrified of clowns. And clowns flock to parades like fleas on a hobo.
I’LL BE THERE IN SPIRIT!!!! :0)
Hugs!
Valerie
Valerie´s last post…Epic Conversations in my Household
Ok so I got your postcard, in Chicago. You should have stopped by. I would have made you something from home. Not all those store bought cookies that Sears got you.
Can I geta postcard with Perry on it? I’m staring a “Postcards from Greg Collection” Right now I have one, I’d like to double my collection by the end of summer.
1,605 miles and 26 hours away. To make it means I can’t pick my girls up tomorrow night. And I can’t come if I don’t pick up my girls. Dammit. What a conundrum. Well, you’ll have to take a ton of pictures so that I can live vicariously through your blog!!
Audra´s last post…Depression
You.are.so.cool. Have a great time with family and friends in Perry!
I wish I were closer! And I’m only in Jersey! I will be in the Finger Lakes region in August however, just in case you’re having a parade around that time.
I’m 5 or so hours south but can’t be in town this weekend for the nostalgic parade…. the family homestead is two houses over from the parade route. We saw many a parade from that corner. Please blare your siren when you pass the point of The Switch (beckary.com will reveal the location) and have a great time!
Northeast corner of Lake and Federal Streets, right? Will anyone be there to hear it since you’re wimpin’ out of a 10-hour round trip car ride for a 12 minute parade?
There will be PLENTY of folks there! That photo of me pointing at the sign was taken in St Albans, VT. (http://beckary.com/?p=517)
To clarify – it’s at the NE corner of N Federal & Lake…
Have a great time!
Let me get this straight, you own the fire truck? How cool is that!
Wow, and all my Dad brought home was old newspapers. That is since he was a newspaper man. lol
~Naila Moon
Greg,
As much as I would love to have a repeat of the last parade (the girls are STILL talking about it!)…I now live 5 hours in the OTHER direction lol Plus I have to work
However, we will be with you all in spirit!
hmmm…come to think of it, with all of us there in spirit, will there be enough room on Perry for those who are actually there? Or are you going to cram all the spirit in one of the storage compartments?
Oh… man…. I’m originally from Oakfield NY (a teeny tiny town just north of Batavia), about 45 minutes from Perry! Wish were were “home” to come to the parade!
We got our first dog in Oakfield!
I used to go through Perry all the time on the way from Houghton (where I went to college – ever heard of it?) to my parents’ in North Chili. Did the trip most recently for my grandpa’s funeral in April. Will you be there for the 4th of July parade? If so, I might have to bring the kiddos by as we will be visiting my parents for the week. Love your blog!!
there are 2, yes 2 fire engines for sale in a neighboring town. I cannot allow my children to see your column as they have already stated that they want one of them, badly. It’s so cool that you bought one and you’re bringing it back for the parade.