OPINION: Nothing cowardly about this lion

Jul. 6—It is a classic Wayne Babcanec story.

The former Norwalk City Schools superintendent is a longtime member of the Norwalk Lions Club. He, like most of the members in that club, spend a lot of time doing things for others.

The Lions have two major projects — selling beer at Summit Motorsports Park and the annual Norwalk Lions Club Fourth of July Parade.

Babcanec is right at home in that beer booth at the racetrack, as he is with all of the club's projects.

Monday was the 51st annual event and Babcanec was front and center wearing the Lion costume and leading the parade.

I have driven the Reflector/Register van in many parades, and one year even won an award.

I personally handed in my registration form early this year and was sure I would get a good spot in the parade.

When I got my number and saw it was 63, I was disappointed. You see, the farther back you are the longer your wait to start.

The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. sharp and at No. 63, you don't even budge from the St. Paul parking lot for at least 30 minutes or longer.

Prior to the parade, I saw Wayne in his costume and John Flickinger, the main man who hands out the numbers.

"I was mad I got No. 63, but it sure is better than wearing the Lions suit," I told Flickinger.

All is good.

As we were waiting for the parade to begin, Babcanec had his head halfway off getting some air. He was talking to Dr. Jeffrey Harwood, who also is the Huron County coroner.

"I hope I don't need your services today," Babcanec told Harwood with a laugh.

That's why this is such a great parade.

This year our daughter, Megan, was again my wingman.

I drove while she tossed candy and took photos.

We followed the Norwalk Eagles float and watched as members tossed out handfuls of candy.

I had to be extra cautious of the children as they yelled and screamed in delight picking up all of the goodies.

The crowds seem to be getting bigger and bigger each year. At some spots they were 10 to 15 people deep.

I went through town at about 7:45 a.m. Monday to cover the Mapletree Road Race at the Huron County Fairgrounds. I saw blankets and chairs covering the entire parade route. Many people were out there almost three hours before the parade holding their spots.

I have been doing this long enough to know where a lot of people sit. It's fun to pick out all of their faces in the crowd.

Later Monday, the action shifted from the parade to the fireworks at the Huron County Fairgrounds.

The place was packed for the big show to cap another great weekend.

Here is where everybody can stand up and take a bow. Money for the fireworks, almost $30,000, is by donations. Norwalk Mayor Dave Light said he did not seek any donations, but left it up to the people.

And again this year they spoke loud and clear.

Between all of the work the Lions Club does for the parade, to all of the money raised for the fireworks, it was a job well done by everybody.

Enjoy the rest of your summer ... football isn't that far away.

Joe Centers is Reflector community editor. He can be reached at jcenters@norwalkreflector.com.