The Past President of the Rotary Club of Zeitz, Germany, Andreas Roesler, sends his gratitude for the experience of walking in Prescott's biggest parade during its most important event of the year.  This was the family's first experience ever being in a parade, especially being guests of honor.  Afterward, they went to the parade party and were able to watch the rest of it in comfort.

Many many thanks for Margo Christensen of Residence Inn/SpringHill Suites for being their hosts, contributing 1,000 lollipops for the children, and taking them all over the state!  Kudos to Ron Williams of Nastow Towing for use of his truck, bringing a United States flag from 1814 with 15 stars and 15 stripes, and making sure our guests were comfortable atop those 15 bales of straw from Steve Sischka of Olsen's Grain!  Rotarians who walked in the parade were Margo, dressed in traditional German garb, Jane and Doug Bristol, Ron and Barbara Williams and their granddaughter, President Noel DeSousa, and several Rotarians from the Prescott Sunup Club.  Please accept my apologies if I missed anyone!

Thanks to Margo, Councilman Chris Kuknyo, and others from the Prescott-Zeitz Sister City Committee, the Roesler family has had a wonderful week:

  • Tuesday:  attended our Rotary meeting, went to Sharlot Hall Museum, Smoki Museum and Prescott City Council meeting.
  • Wednesday: Went to Jerome and Sedona, then to the Rodeo dinner and performance in the evening with the Christensens and Bristols.
  • Thursday: Spent the day at Pioneer Park, were amazed at the crowds and activities, and went to a fireworks party at a private home, very impressed with the patriotism.
  • Friday: lunch at Pasquale's Place, then kayaking on Watson Lake with Mike Breedlove.  Went to Mike's house for quad-riding and enjoyed a home-cooked dinner.
  • Saturday: Helped set up and ride as guests of honor on the parade float, then later in the evening went to the Whiskey Row Street Dance.
  • Sunday:  Spent the day along to attend church and do some sight seeing.
  • Monday:  going to Grand Canyon with Margo.
  • Tuesday: A day of rest to begin packing for a trip Wednesday to San Francisco, then New York City, then home to Zeitz.