For those who don't know, this section of So. Illinois is known as "The Gateway to Little Egypt." The story is told that a drought in the northern part of the state led farmers south seeking corn and fodder for their animals. That was a trek that became known as the journey to Little Egypt. So, of course, in a truly American way, we have a parade and time of festivities in early October to celebrate the name, if not the occassion.
The good people of St. Thomas always have a free lemonade stand, only on cold years it becomes a hot chocolate give-away. This year was one of those exceeding strange days. When the sun was shining, we had a run on lemonade. But when the sun went behind the clouds, the temperature dropped a quick 8 - 10 degrees and hot chocolate was favored. But no one left thirsty.
St. Thomas also had a small float in the parade. The theme, as set up by chairperson Martha Stiehl, was "Volunteers: The Saints of God." They played and sang the good old hymn, "I sing a song of the Saints of God." The float was peopled by Jim Stiehl (a doctor - in life as on the float), Joan Baker (not a queen, but one of our English-women - isn't that about the same), Bill Smith (a soldier in life and on the float), Jeff Kozuszek (soon to be ordained - we hope), Willie and Olivia Shuler, along with Nick Kozuszek, at tea, Liz Hinman as an artist, and, of course, our Musical genius, Martha Stiehl. Enjoy the Video of them passing the church.
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