Last night my father, Bob Ludekens, was honored as the Grand Marshal of the Visalia Candy Cane Lane Parade. This is a major event for our lovely city where 7-10,000 families line Main Street in the cold (and sometimes fog like last night) to kick off the Christmas season. Parade has been growing for 66 years.
It was a treat for all of us to see Bob honored. Most of you in the nursery trade know him for his tireless work on behalf of our industry as a tree grower and advocate for the nurseries in various associations and committees. What most of you may not be aware of is his lifelong involvement in Boy Scouts which is where the City of Visalia chose to give him honor.
Bob was a troup leader by the age of 17 and has been actively invloved in developing young men and leaders ever since including starting troups in tough neighborhoods as Watts and even recently in migrant labor camps. If he is not starting and leading troups himself, he is active in training the adult leaders and fundraising. At 81 years of age, Bob still works full days and weekends at the nursery and his evenings with the Scouts. Dad - we are proud of your work, accomplishments and grateful the City gave you his honor.
Quietly beside him, my mother Carole, has been doing all the behind the scenes work. Whether it be typing, buying food for the campouts, sweeping out the tents after the trips, she has done it all. And, typical of mom, she doesn't want any recognition so you did not see her in the parade. But I did ask her to stand for a quick photo.
Mom reluctantly allowed me to include her in the photo.
Dad wanted some other family members to ride along in the horse drawn carriage (which had limited seating) so in the photos you see my sister Susan Cox (David's wife) next to Dad, grandson Phillip Cox (my nephew) and his wife Megan in the front seat. In the middle seat is Jennifer Ludekens DeSimas (granddaughter - my daughter) and her husband Danny DeSimas and son Tyler (Great grandson - 4th generation).
Four generations in this photo
(well 2nd generation is behind the camera taking picture)
Our infamous Tule fog is rolling in as the parade starts - but the huge crowd stayed anyway
More photos here: Candy Cane Lane Parade Grand Marshal
Ron Ludekens 11/29/2011