Like the Pacific Northwest, the Eureka area has climate particularly friendly to cultivation of the rhododendron family of flowering bushes–they include azaleas and a lot of varieties of “rhodys” of all sizes. There is a Rhododendron Society, and an annual Rhododendron Parade, this year it was Saturday April 27, 2024.
I love the Rhododendron Parade, it’s a hometown event. Anyone can enter, and that usually includes everyone from people who attach rhododendron blossoms to their dog’s collar and walk along, to large floats of Boy Scouts, a 4-H club, vintage vehicles of all ages, trucks of service providers festooned with flowers, and several marching bands.
That’s in addition to police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, and vehicles from the Forest Service. The Coast Guard pulled a boat in the parade and their rescue helicopter did several flyovers of the reviewing stand. The giant metal crab seems to have been created out of pieces of corrugated metal roofing. It’s parked in an empty lot in downtown Eureka, and I’ve wondered what it is for. Apparently, it waits for a parade.
Oh, yes, and here’s a few rhododendrons in person:
Our neighborhood is lovely to walk around at this time of year.
For a few more fun photos, check out @rockchickmonica on Instagram.
Llywindatravels 2025 
Rhododendrons grow here well, too
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I’m not surprised. A lot of plants do well in your part of Italy. There are so many here, though, many more than I remember seeing in other places.
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