West Virginia Funeral Directors Gather in Charleston

While we were in Washington DC for the NFDA Advocacy day this year we made contact with the West Virginia Funeral Directors Association and starting planning a visit to their 2010 conventions. Upon arriving in Charleston and finding out that we would be setting up right by the front doors of the hotel you couldn’t wipe the grin off of Josh’s face. We had hustled down from Michigan; stopping for a night in Parkersburg, where we participated in those holiday parades. I have said this before but we do enjoy joining state conventions and talking with the area funeral directors. Meeting them in an educational and social environment always leads to great conversations and we learn what has been trending in the state.

The local media took an interest in the week’s happenings and we spotted more than one reporter interviewing West Virginia Funeral Directors to get their take on the state of business. Both Frank and I were interviewed a few times for nightly news pieces and newspapers from around Charleston. One additional benefit to parking outside of a convention center is that the public is then welcome to come inside. We did have guests join us all day from offices and building all over downtown.

Curwood Festival in Owosso, MI

Two parades in one week is a huge treat for us, love seeing communities come out and have fun together. The Curwood Festival on Owosso, MI has to be one of the craziest parades I have been to. We were one of the early floats and pulled off to then set up, both Josh and I kept getting distracted by the other participants. Little motorcycles chasing each other, go-carts that looked like plains and more music then you could keep up with. The route was filled with drum and bugle corps, a bagpipe band and a few local marching bands. We had a such a great time, we were able to have the doors open before the parade ended and welcomed guests as they made their way around town for activities. The staff at the Jennings-Lyons Funeral Chapel passed out water bottles to guests and even had a vintage hearse in the parade.

As you can see we were right in the heart of the activities, luckily we had some time to walk a few blocks over and walk around the park and main festival area.

Memorial Day with Hinsey - Brown

What better place to spend Memorial Day then a wonderful small community like New Castle, IN. A close knit town that comes out in full force to say thank you to those who have served. the entire city participates in a variety of activities. We were there to join Hinsey - Brown Funeral Service at their facility for an open house and to be in the parade. For two days we greeted visitors there to see our exhibit and take tours. The staff from Hinsey - Brown chatted with the guests and served hot dogs.
Both Josh and I enjoy parades, I love to great everyone and pass out candy. I think Josh just likes to honk his horn for the kids. We had a wonderful reaction and a live about 40 people long before we were set back up at the end of the parade. For the rest of the day we talked with folks about their visit and the community. This was a special few days for us and a wonderful visit.