July 4th, 2009 - Mandan Independence Day Parade

Governor Hoeven and First Lady, Mikey Hoeven

I remember as a child looking forward every year to the Mandan Independence Day Parade...the crowds...the hype....the noise...and most of all the CANDY! The Mandan Parade has been one of the most anticipated events in our community since it began in 1881. Tens of thousands of spectators line the streets of Mandan, ND to celebrate Independence Day with the region's largest parade. The Parade featured the tradition of high stepping equestrians, marching bands, local companies, organizations, businesses, groups and of-course...beauty queens. I got the privilege of actually being a part of this magnificent event this year as Mrs. North Dakota International!

The American Cancer Society's new logo is that they are the Official Sponsor of Birthdays. They are fighting cancer and with this are hoping to give everyone the chance to celebrate more birthdays. I decided to make my float just that....Fighting Cancer to Promote More Birthdays. We had birthday balloons in the back of the convertible (which my husband drove and looked amazing in!) and my 3 wonderful children participated by handing out sunscreen packets from the North Dakota Cancer Coalition to help fight skin cancer. I decided if I was going to be in a parade again I would do it my way...so I walked....yep you heard me...I walked... I shook hands....hugged little girls (and some "big boys" :-))... gave high fives to little boys and handed out a birthday candle with a purple ribbon for survivorship and a note that read,"Mrs. North Dakota International 2009 wants YOU to have more birthdays by fighting cancer... Stay Healthy....Stay Well..Fight Back!" The experience couldn't have been more perfect! I met Mrs. ND America 2009 and I got the chance to talk with Governor Hoeven and the First Lady, Mikey Hoeven, regarding the International Pageant system and my platform to Enhance the Quality of Life to Cancer Patients. Happy 4th of July everyone!