How would you like to march in Chicago’s Thanksgiving Day parade? And have people cheer you? And maybe even get on television?
Of course, there’s a catch. Instead of carrying a musical instrument or holding a flag, you’re more likely to be wielding a shovel or a broom.
Yep, parade organizers are looking for volunteers, especially for the Poo Crew, those hearty souls who clean up after the horses that will befoul State Street during this year’s Target Thanksgiving Day Parade.
But before you turn your nose up at the opportunity, listen to Christophe Horton, who’ll have shovel in hand for the second year in a row.
“I didn’t find it gross or degrading,” Horton, a 15-year-old sophomore at Whitney Young High School, said of last year’s experience. “The audience was very enthusiastic. It was really fun.”
That’s exactly the attitude Joy Meierhans is looking for. She’s the equestrian coordinator for the Chicago Festival Association, the producers of the parade. As such, she’s responsible for the Poo Crews, a responsibility she doesn’t take lightly.
Well, maybe a little lightly.
“I always encourage them to do it in the most theatrical manner possible,” she said. “People who do this job kind of have a different sense of humor to start with.”
Scoopers work in teams, equipped with shovels and brooms and a big plastic trash can on wheels as they follow the 15 horse units that will be marching. And leaving their mark, as it were.
“Last year it was me and two old ladies,” Horton recalled. “It was kind of difficult at first, but we found a system. One would shovel, one would sweep, and–boom–right into the Dumpster.”
Of course, there can be such a thing as too much showmanship.
“Sometimes the TV people will zero in on the Poo Crew instead of the horses,” Meierhans said. “And I’m going, `Oh no, show the horses.’ “
The Poo Crews aren’t the only volunteers at the parade. They’re still looking for people for the beautification crews (picking up after the parade ends); unit escorts, who make sure the parade units are spaced evenly; and balloon handlers, who hold on to the 15 giant helium balloons (SpongeBob SquarePants!) that are in the parade, which steps off at 8:30 on Thanksgiving morning.
Individuals, groups and organizations can still sign up as parade volunteers. Go to www.chicagofestivals.org, or call Jamie Leavitt at 312-781-5681.
