P-rade

Over 20,000 people came back to their alma mater this weekend and the partying aint over. Nine extra temps were hired for this week and twelve employees who normally work upstairs as buyers and accountants and secretaries, etc came down to our floor to help with the chaos. Two extra registers were brought in, as well as theatre line separators to keep the cattle--I mean, the customers--in line. Last week, we were making about $7,000 day on a good day, but these days our totals approach the $100,000 (in 12 hours). I wish you could see my workplace. In addition to the number of bodies (no less fresh smelling in 80 degree weather) per square foot, there isn't a spot on the horizon where the eyes don't see black and orange. It's a freak show to say the least. Every year, the graduates design and then wear suit jackets. They're quite impressive, and some of them are down right tacky. But if you blend in.... why not?

At two o'clock today was the P-rade. It also happened to be my lunch break, so I met up with Matthew and we watched the first hour. Graduating classes line up and file through campus from the earliest years to the most current. Meanwhile, everybody cheers and claps and waves to them, welcoming them back. Pep bands and bagpipe groups will even file through. The whole thing is so unique. It brought me to near tears. It's just so moving, and since it happens every year, these graduates must certainly have a friendship and a deep connection and love for their school. I've never seen anything like this.

Here's the line up:

This guy was in the 1936 line. Don't worry, he's only sleeping (with a lollipop in his mouth)

Here's the oldest alumna from 1925. He's 105 years old.


More P-rade. Notice the costumes and suit jackets changing:








Class of 47 was hilarious. They had the best signs:


The far sign says: "I was always taught to respect my elders. Now there's no one to respect."