RCAS can have fun and deliver a message at the same time! For several weeks this fall, members met and worked on our third float for the annual Rutland Halloween Parade.
The parade, the 60th this year, draws hundreds (thousands?) of viewers of all ages. Many more streamed the parade at home or watched it later on PEG-TV.
This year's theme was A Murder of Crows. The float was a light-hearted combination of crows mourning a dearly departed comrade in a casket surrounded by the headstones of extinct species such as the Passenger Pigeon and Carolina Parakeet.
Several crows 'flew' around the float handing out candy and carrying signs reading "Protect Our Birds" and "Extinction is Forever."
With the recent reports of declining bird species and the affects of climate change on birds, perhaps RCAS was able to deliver a not so subtle reminder of the importance of bird protection.
Our hard work was rewarded with winning runner-up for Most Original in the parade. Thanks to all the members who helped with the float and the Rutland Recreation Department for putting on another spectacular parade!