DIXON, CA (MPG) - It seemed like the anticipation was equal to that of the May Fair Parade–just more spread out. I’m talking about the streets lined with chairs, flags, blankets, and banners congratulating Dixon High School seniors last Saturday in our local pandemic-induced graduation ceremony.

Then there were cars…a couple hundred of them in various models, colors, and sizes from small to big rig–all adorned with pom-poms, streamers, and giant pictures of the graduate inside. Most cars were driven by proud parents with students ranging from the shy blushers to the boisterous, full-arm waving ones connecting with their extended families and friends on the sidewalks as the cars drove through town.

Parade line up began at 7:30 am and started promptly as planned at 9 am with police escort. Each student was recognized in front of a huge balloon and banner display and congratulated by Principal Stephanie Marquez and retiring teacher Kim McGreevey along with a host of other teachers and school board representatives trying to keep six feet apart.

The last of 242 students recognized in their bold caps and gowns was about 1 pm and some families could still be seen congregating on front lawns waiting for their graduates to return home. It may have been a long day but according to the many posts on Facebook later, it was a huge success and parents expressed lots of appreciation for coordinators.