All our secret parking places east of the Avenue were full, so we resorted to a secret space to the west and then dashed through the Capitol grounds to San Jacinto just in time for the start of the Chuy’s parade. My favorite part of the parade this year was hearing Los Texas Wranglers and whatever components of Asleep at the Wheel and other groups shared the float with Ray Benson play several numbers together informally while they waited before they were split up to take their assigned places in the line of march. Another favorite was seeing the kids from Travis High. I always love the super-giant-sized Oak Farms cow. The Biscuit Brothers made what I think was their inaugural performance at this parade, to the very great delight of the little kids. I do think that this was the biggest spectator turnout in years, perhaps ever.

We saw that El Patio and the Co-op were doing big, big business. The Frisco was jam-packed. Rooster Andrews was busy, too, with most of the stock going at deep discount, as much as 70% off. I think we may be seeing the beginning of the end of an Austin sporting-goods tradition. We bought some left-over Diwali lights with sparkles at MGM Indian Foods, which was also the businest we’ve ever seen it to be.

On the way back home, we acquired a fresh turkey in the customary way: taking one home that somebody had reserved but had failed to come by for on the day itself or the day before. We always find a good one at either Kash-Karry / Fresh-Plus or at Wheatsville. This year it’s Wheatsville. I love Austin on major holiday weekends, when the population shrinks drastically and it seems more like its old cozy self.