Small Town, USA

In a few short weeks The Walsh’s will be heading out to celebrate “Jim Butler Days” in Tonopah, Nevada. 

We are making the journey to celebrate the crowning of the new King and Queen, John and Susan (Doug’s Parents). Growing up in small towns, we were both blessed with the fun and excitement that only small-town festivals can bring.  The excitement of something to look forward to and an excuse to do dumb things with your friends.

Doug and I have been living in the city for quite some time now.  I won’t call it a big city, but for us its huge compared to where we both grew up.  Living in the city has its conveniences and advantages, but it does make you forget some of the amazing experiences we had.  The carefree childhoods and everyone knowing everyone.  It truly does take a village!

A few years ago we made the Memorial day trip to celebrate Doug’s class reunion… We won’t talk about which one, but let’s just say is was a while back!  While we were there, I was reminded of being a child and going to parades to collect candy… I had forgotten this until we were standing street-side waiting for the parade floats to begin and all the little kids around us started pulling out plastic bags to carry their treasures.  I felt so bad that little Jillian didn’t have one! How could I have forgotten such an important part of being a kid? We did manage to fill our pockets to the brim with candies of all kinds to take home however. 

Another piece that took me back was the parade started with the national anthem and was filled with so many patriotic songs.  As I stood on main street and watched the floats of farmers displaying animals, cub scouts and daisy’s marching with their troops, local politicians handing out buttons and the class float filled with the many proud graduates I was brought to tears.  I missed home.  I missed the traditions and fellowship that only small town festivals can garner.

The weekend this year is no different.  It is filled with all the fun and excitement you would expect in a small country town.  This year’s festivities include: a talent show, scavenger hunt, princess and queen pageant, coronation of the King and Queen, high school graduation, carnival, parade, street dance, arm wrestling competition, dwarf car races, fun run, Boy Scout pancake breakfast, craft bazaar, Nevada State Mining Championships and of course lots of live music!

Whew! It’s going to be a busy weekend that’s for sure!

If you have the opportunity to visit a small town and experience this, I urge you to do so.  Take a moment, look around, take it all in.  There is something very comforting about it all. Small Town, USA.  Good people, great communities and memories for a lifetime!

For more information and history about Jim Butler Days please check out www.tonopahnevada.com