The event was created seven years ago by Millsboro resident Dot LeCates, after her vision of a labyrinth became a reality in the town.
“The labyrinth came into existence in 2006. It was kind of my idea to have an ecumenical prayer circle, a meditation circle. It’s universal — you don’t have to be religious, you don’t even have to be spiritual. The circle is a circle of unity,” she explained. “The people from the community built that. It was built for the community. It’s just a walking meditation and prayer.
“When we dedicated it, I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be neat to have kids riding around and having a joyous time?’ So we’ve had a parade ever since.”
In years past, the ceremony has been themed to honor those who served in World War I, World War II, the Vietnam War and the Korean War. This year, LeCates chose to celebrate and honor women.
“This year, we’re going to honor the women. Not just commissioned women, but women all the way down to the little girls, so that we can be an inspiration as they grow up to be great women. We’ve had a lady mayor, we’ve had a lady governor, lady police, lady doctors,” said LeCates.
“This year we chose women because they’re always behind the scene and we’ve never singled out the women who have served as commissioned officers, served as nurses in the wars. They’ve always offered comfort and support to our patriotic figures, and they’re still doing that within our community.”
Those who wish to participate in the parade should meet at the labyrinth at Saint Mark’s at 10 a.m. for a short ceremony, followed by a walk to Cupola Park.
“We’ll start with a little parade and a rat-a-tat drum, and Cathy Gorman will sing our national anthem, and all of our little girls up to the older ladies will march in around the labyrinth. We will honor our ladies all the way from our Daisies to the oldest Girl Scout.
“Then we will march two blocks down to Cupola Park, and the mayor will give out trophies and prizes to the Best of Show, the Best Dog. Oh — they get painted red, white and blue and everything,” said LeCates with a laugh. “I usually bring up the tail of the parade on my old tricycle.”
The parade does not allow for any motorized vehicles, excluding wheelchairs, but welcomes wagons, bicycles, tricycles and all things red, white and blue.
“The women from the auxiliary for the American Legion Post #24 give every child in the parade an American flag to wave,” she said. “Last year, we had a little girl who was the Statue of Liberty and her dad pulled her in a wagon all the way down to the park. We’ve had Betsy Ross. The kids love it. I love it.”
She added that she believes patriotism is something to be valued, and that it’s never too early to start teaching children about its importance.
“It does my heart good to think about patriotism in our little town,” said LeCates. “I think patriotism starts at home… We grow up with it. I don’t think it’s ever too young to start, to call it patriotism and to be a part of it, and to recognize that children need that kind of thing from home as well as from school.
“I think, in a little town, in a small setting, we can do those things that are meaningful to us, and honoring our women is part of that glory.”
Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church is located at the corner of State and Ellis streets in downtown Millsboro. For more information on the parade, call the Millsboro Chamber of Commerce at (302) 934-6777.
The holiday-induced coma has subsided, thus I could finally stomach a grandiose Brazilian dinner at the new Texas de Brazil in Norfolk, which opened in November of last year. Friends who visited the Dallas-based chain before told me I practically had to fast the afternoon prior to make room for this monumental dinner. I like to think I have a firm handle on moderation and portion control; nevertheless, I was warned.
It was a friend’s birthday, so my husband and I met with a few other couples one fateful Saturday evening for our first brush with a Brazilian steakhouse. Once we found our seats, we were directed to the salad bar. “Okay there's going to be mixed greens, some veggies and maybe fruit to counter the immense amount of meat,” I thought as I approached the glowing salad bar.
What I found was a salad lover's heaven. There were mixed greens, sure, but there was an elaborate spread of charcuterie, wedges of manchego cheese, an israeli couscous salad, olives, pickled shrimp, pineapple carpaccio, tabbouleh, and lobster bisque soup, among much more—I mean, the works. In case you're not a meat eater or are going for a lighter dinner, you can opt out of the standard option and stick to the salad bar for a decreased rate. I left the salad bar with a full plate and a heavier start to the night than I had hoped.
I knew I was in for a treat if the meat was anything like the salad bar. Each eater was presented a card that read: ‘Sim, por favor’ (Yes, please) on the green side and ‘Nao, obrigado’ (No, thank you) on the red side.
As long as green is face up, expect the waiters to usher in meat until you flip to red. About a dozen varieties of meat came practically one after another throughout dinner, so it’s important to pace yourself. There was leg of lamb, top sirloin, Brazilian sausage, bacon-wrapped chicken, pork loin varieties, filet mignon, flank steak and ribs, but my favorites had to be the filet mignon and leg of lamb.
Each cut of meat was cooked, charred and seasoned to perfection and served from giant metal skewers, sizzling, fresh from the grill. Aside from the meat, we were served plantains to cleanse our palates as well as mashed potatoes, but those went untouched at our table.
Once we finished, our server informed us she would ready the dessert presentation. The birthday girl ordered a slice of cheesecake as we serenaded her with ‘Happy Birthday’, and we each slowly slithered down our seats, stuffed and satisfied.
At $42.99/person for the regular dinner or $24.99 for the salad bar only, it's a pretty penny to pay, but for the endless cuts of meat and extensive salad bar, the value is on point.
Next week, from January 18–25, Texas de Brazil is participating in Downtown Norfolk’s Restaurant Week with a special dinner offer set at $30 which includes meat, sides, the salad bar and dessert.