Ogle County 4-H Horse Drill Team rides again!

CHICAGO – The Ogle County 4-H Horse Drill Team applied and was again accepted to ride in the Chicago McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for the second year in a row! They had a very early start to Thanksgiving Day as they met at four in the morning, in Rochelle. From Rochelle, they caravanned to Chicago and were there before daybreak. The 4-H’ers unloaded the horses and got them and themselves ready. The horses were dressed as reindeer, and the riders dressed as elves and Christmas presents!

What a fantastic experience it was for everyone to ride in this parade. The parade route marched the team down State Street in downtown Chicago. They were even on TV! One estimate states that there were 400,000 spectators along the parade route, with millions tuning in at WGN TV to watch.

Members of this year’s drill team included Teddy Beauchem, Chana; Amanda Braun, Ellie Braun, and Megan Braun, Pecatonica; Alison Poole and Megan Poole, Polo; Natalie Shaw, Mt. Carroll; Emily Palumbo, Morrison; and Taylor Yordy, Leaf River.

The drill team sends a big “Thank you,” to the parents for all their help getting ready for the big day and transporting the horses; parents and grandparents for helping make our elf outfits and horses’ outfits; Laurie Kristoff, Stagecoach Pass Farm, Amy Martinez, Misty Martinez, and Alexis Martinez, from Davis, for carrying our banner in the parade. The Ogle County Extension Office, would like to thank the coaches, Linda Schreiber, Leaf River; Erica Kurth, Rochelle; and Allison Reed, Rochelle, for all their hard work during the year helping them prepare for parades, competitions, and working with the team at all the practices!

You will be able to see pictures of the drill team on the Chicago McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade web site soon at http://www.chicagofestivals.org/.

The drill team is gearing up to start a new year. An Informational meeting will be held on Jan. 17 at 2 p.m. at the Ogle County Farm Bureau Auditorium. If you would like more information about the team, you can contact the University of Illinois Extension office at 815-732-2191.

4-H is an informal youth education program conducted by University of Illinois Extension. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in 4-H, contact the Ogle County Extension staff at 815-732-2191.

Members of this year’s Ogle County Drill Team all ready for the Chicago’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, sponsored by McDonald’s. Team included: Teddy Beauchem, Chana; Amanda Braun, Ellie Braun, and Megan Braun, Pecatonica; Alison Poole and Megan Poole, Polo; Natalie Shaw, Mt. Carroll; Emily Palumbo, Morrison; and Taylor Yordy, Leaf River. Courtesy photo