Page 8 - Robeson Living Fall 2017

were. Upon completing their first pass down main street Reagan joined us for the parade. Rather than lead it off he
doing a cotton-picking scene they returned by the alley choose to bring up the rear and was a hit among the huge
and re-entered the parade for skit #2 featuring Mrs. Tessie crowd. He even bestowed a beautiful red rose on WECT
“play switching” the kids for straying from her watchful anchor Lisa Stanley Smith and, at the reviewing stand, in-
eye, and repeating their quick change artist trickery re-ap- vited parade emcee Jeff Lewis to join him for a little ride.
peared once again featuring Red pulling a tobacco drag, But he was searched first. Really, really well. The thought
Mr. James in overalls, and Mrs. Tessie handing off ‘baccer did, however, cross my mind about snipers on top of the
to the kids in the drag on the way to the barn. One parade. buildings but I keep the secret really well so no harm came
3 trips. 3 heartwarming and real-life farming skits from a my way but I did hear several “Look Mom, it’s the Presi-
real-life farming family. Red, I was told later, was very dent” comments. I don’t know if it was the day’s heat, the
satisfied with his performance and was especially grateful rubber mask, or the adrenaline but when the parade ended I
for the extra hay he got for supper. Now Mrs. Red was was soaked in sweat. But what a blast it was. Got it on vid-
probably not happy about the length of Mr. Reds lengthy eo, sent photos to President Reagan and got an autographed
absence but you know, the show must go on. The Blues photo back. Proofs right here. I will never forget the look
were a real crowd hit that hot and humid September morn- on the face of Henry, my driver and a trusted employee
ing but there was still a big surprise right around the bend. at Lumberton Ford, that day when, with the parade almost
gone, I donned my mask and stepped into the back of the
Anyone who knows the real me will tell you how shy I am limo. He just smiled when I said, “Now it’s ShowTime!”
and it took a lot of soul searching to act on my secret pa-
rade idea. But I did. And let me tell you it was a life high- We’ve all got ‘em. Memories that is. Weddings, gradua-
light for sure. Rather than get turned down by the President tions, first kiss and on and on. But on a September morn-
I decided he should still be represented at our big event ing in 1988 in a little southern town called Fairmont mine
considering he had served our nation for 8 years and was focused on Red the mule and a limo carrying the President
looking forward to a little vacation. So, with the aid of a of the United States. Images held deep within my heart and
realistic rubber mask, the loan of a Lincoln sun roofed limo emblazoned upon my memory which will last a lifetime.
from a dear friend, the attachments of proper car flags, and Now it’s your turn. Why don’t you join us on the 3rd Satur-
the presence of my 4 Secret Service agents led by Stuart day in October for our latest Farmers’ Festival. Bring your
Freeman and his 3 friends from UNCP, President Ronald memories with you and add to them.

Page 7 Page 8 Robeson Living ~ Fall 2017