The family and I went to the Riverton Town Days parade last night (3 July). It seemed longer this year, but that could only be my perception because the parade in Ephraim over Memorial Day weekend was so much shorter (which was nice).

The weather was perfect for the parade with slightly overcast skies and a gentle breeze. The kids snatched up lots of candy and other goodies from parade participants.

Incumbent U.S. senator Orrin Hatch was in the parade. This is the first time I've seen him show up in public at a parade. His campaign was handing out cardboard placards which seemed to be useful for fanning one's self. We declined them as they went by handing them out. Hatch's vehicle was one of the first in the parade and we weren't hot yet.

Later on, though, democratic senatorial candidate Pete Ashdown and his band of geeks (campaign volunteers) came strutting down Redwood Road followed by the infamous Blue Eagle. Could Pete and his volunteers do better than Hatch with their limited campaign budget and grassroots strategy?

You betcha!

Pete won the hearts and stomachs of many in Riverton by giving out delicous Creamie ice cream treats.

Pete and I don't see eye to eye on all the issues, but still I wish him the best of luck in his campaign to unseat Hatch, who does not represent me or my colleagues.