8 People, Places and Things We Love About America

From amazing people and rich history to fabulous foodstuff and one-of-a-kind parades, check out some of what makes our country great.
From Reader's Digest
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Best Processions
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Best Processions
America loves its parades. Among the more than 50,000 flag-waving, baton-twirling, band-marching celebrations of community spirit every year, here are six we can't resist:

Procession of the Species Celebration, Olympia, Washington: The only people having more fun than the 3,000 nature lovers in flower and animal costumes every April may be the 30,000 spectators taking it all in.

Midnight Independence Day Parade, Gatlinburg, Tennessee: These revelers can't wait till the Fourth, so they start the night before, with entertainment in the streets. At midnight, the main event kicks off with bands and giant balloons.

Alaska Day Festival, Sitka, Alaska: On October 18, 1867, the U.S. acquired "the last frontier" from the Russians. To mark the anniversary, men grow period-worthy beards and women wear hoopskirts and bonnets.

Golf Cart Parade, Palm Desert, California: In this self-appointed golf capital of the world, the carts make perfect floats—and may arrive at this October spectacle decked out like a Cadillac Escalade or Bob Hope.

The Coldest, Loudest, Shortest Chinese New Year Parade in the World, Butte, Montana: Ten-degree temperatures don't stop this city from honoring its Chinese community every year. A gigantic multicolored dragon, a gift to the state from the people of Taipei, leads the way; for the finale, 10,000 firecrackers usher in the New Year.

Barkus Parade, New Orleans, Louisiana: Canines get their own event during Mardi Gras. Past themes include Joan of Bark and Tails from the Crypt, with registration proceeds going to animal shelters.

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By Patricia Fisher, 11/14/2009, 9:25 PM EST
I was dropping my son off at his day program and I saw Beth. She asked my name and then when I was born. Then she asked for my address. I asked her when she was born and she told me, then she walked on. A staff member was listening to our conversation and explained who Beth was and what she does with the information - she told me Beth won't forget. I was stunned! I will be looking forward to getting a card from her in January! I ran to get a pen to write hers down before I forgot it!
By desai1952, 07/07/2009, 10:27 PM EDT
i have read about catlin in your readers digest july,2009 issue,in the article "best of america"kindly give me the e mail address,home address and phone number if its possible,since i am dealing with mentally challenged children in a school caaled "SPANDAN"in baroda,gujarat,india,i am on a trip on visitors visa in usa.and am impressed by the article.my e-mail address is desai1952@rediffmail.com thanks, bharat desai
By desai1952, 07/07/2009, 10:23 PM EDT
its really amazing to note such a wonderful skill in catlin.if you can provide me her address and phone number,i would be very happy,since i am dealing with mentally retarted children in baroda,INDIA,we have a school by name "spandan",it will give inspiration to persons like me to work more sincerely.my e-mail address is -desai1952@rediffmail.com thanks, bharat desai

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