June 30, 2019 3:10p; Updated 8:45p with Gall comments; Updated at 10p with upcoming performances.
(WGTD)---Sunday's downpour would've washed out Kenosha's Civic Veterans Parade--had they canceled it. Instead, the parade stepped off on schedule---just a few minutes before thundershowers arrived.
The heavy rain sent parade-goers along the route scrambling for cover under umbrellas, ponchos, building overhangs and bus stops. Most of the parade participants, including the marching bands, were pretty much stuck, although riders on a float commemorating the 100th anniversary of womens' right to vote huddled under a tarp, and the director of the Kenosha Pops Band stayed partially dry under a mini-umbrella attached to his head.
The 30 'Pops' musicians who rode a flatbed took the persistent rain in stride, Gall said. "Thankfully the temperature was ok..it wasn't a cold rain," he said. 'But I would not want to do 10 more parades like this again!"
Being in Division 4, the rain arrived even before the Pops float hit the parade route. Gall said he figures the band could've dropped out, but none of the musicians had vehicles parked anywhere near the start of the route and the the band was already on the flatbed. "We kind of all looked at each other and said 'Let's do this' and that's what we did," he said, laughing.
Gall said he heard rumors that a few units pulled out because of the weather but that couldn't be immediately confirmed.
This isn't the first time Gall has led a band through bad weather. As a high school music teacher in Kimberly, Gall said he's marched in sleet and snow.
The Kenosha Pops is looking for better weather for its next regulary-scheduled performance Wednesday evening at 7 at the Pennoyer Park Bandshell. They're back on the very same stage the next day--Independence Day--for a concert beginning at 4:15.
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