2007 Coe Hill Warriors' Day Parade

[Barry Churcher]

Brian and I drove the DAF up on Sunday and what a gorgeous day it was. We stopped in Campbellford for a coffee and attracted a small crowd. When we got to Havelock Brian yelled "stop" and there on the side of the road was a CMP, in all it's restored glory. There was no one home so we took a few photos and ventured on. On arriving in Coe Hill we were regaled with all the stories of the antics the night before. I think the campers had a good time but it was coooool. When we lined up for the parade we had to take the back street to the other end of town so as not to disrupt traffic. We went up the highway and then took a sharp right turn over a guys lawn and down through his back yard, into the bush and across the fields to the other end of town. This was better than a trail ride. Guess what? Coe Hill doesn't have a back street.
I didn't hear a count of vehicles but it was a long parade. At the short service the 25 pdr fired off 3 rounds. A sweet young thing came down from the stands with her dog, who was afraid of the noise. Brian and I pet the dog and chatted her up. When the wreaths were laid she pointed out her husband, the Brigadier General. The part of the event that Brian and I participated in was well organized and I didn't hear complaints from anyone else. The most entertainment was watching Wilf Alexander try to get his motorhome on the back of his flatbed. Heh,heh. A group of MVers showed up from "South Jersey" and if there had been a long distance award, they would have won. The ride home was pleasant with the temp. only getting a little cool. We stopped in Havelock when we saw the CMP still by the road. The old boy (about Brian's age) came out and showed us the truck plus his mint 72 Chev Camper Special pickup and his bright red early 50's GMC pickup. Half an hour later we were on the road again. My compliments to Dan, Greg, Frank and anyone else who participated in the organization of this event.
Barry