In 1980, I attended my first of 19 consecutive Veishea parades and have since seen about a half dozen more. The most recent was April 19, 2013 and I was saddened. At some point in the recent past, the parade took a turn for the commercial while one of its best aspects died.

What happened to the classic greek system floats that I would stare up at in wonderment as a child? No matter how slowly they would roll past me, it was never long enough to behold their awesomeness. They were animated masterpieces that made me look forward to the Veishea parade every year almost as much as Halloween or Christmas. In this year’s parade, there were none. Is it because the greek system isn’t as popular as it used to be? Does it take too much time and effort? Does it cost too much to build them and business sponsors aren’t interested? Regardless of the reason, it is sad to see this Veishea tradition fade into the great event’s history.

What I did see this year was what the mere $100 parade entry fee will buy any area business — free advertising to a captive audience of thousands. The ad-wrapped vehicle of a bail bonds business. A 60-foot meat company truck capable of crushing candy-seeking children. What do these parade entries have to do with celebrating the university?!? They bastardize the spirit of Veishea and do not belong in the parade. Any for-profit business should pay an exponentially higher price to participate. Perhaps Veishea organizers could use these funds to resurrect and slightly subsidize greek system floats.

Undoubtedly I’ll be back in Ames for more Veishea parades in the future — but with lowered expectations and excitement. I just wish current Ames kids could experience the amazing floats that I saw growing up and discover how memorable the Veishea parade really can be.