Chairs are ‘like a sacred thing’

Seating set out weeks in advance remain in place

Published in the July 9-23, 2014 issue of Morgan Hill Life

By Staff Report

Morgan Hill is a community where residents truly respect other people’s parade property — especially the folding chairs and plastic patio chairs that crop up at prime viewing vantage points every year along the Independence Day parade route on Monterey Road, West Dunne, Peak and West Main avenues.

Morgan Hill couple Leah De Lane and Scott Parker said they are impressed with how some people get so excited about the parade that they put out folding chairs on the streets about four weeks before July 4.

“And no one touches them,” Parker said. “No one will go near the chairs that are reserving a spot for the parade that’s not going to happen for another month.”

“It’s like a sacred thing,” De Lane added. “It’s very respectful.”

The parade chair tradition reflects the spirit of Morgan Hill and the pride in America, she said. No one steals them or vandalizes them, she said.

“It’s got a little cheesy hometown element to it. I like that about it,” she said.