About 100 entries danced through town, cheered on by enormous crowds. There were so many fabulous entries, like Saranac Lake Marina’s “Yacht Rocks” and John and Yoko’s “Bed-In for World Peace,” the Lawn Chair Ladies, and the Canoodlers. Unbelievably, our little truck with five musicians won the Louis Fobare trophy, Best in Show.

I couldn’t believe it when I heard the news. Right away, I called Master Carpenter Don Rumble. “WE GOT THE FOBARE?!” he yelled into the phone.

For years, Don chased the elusive trophy, working on the beautiful HomEnergy floats. Together with Dan Reilly and Aggie Pelletieri, Don painstakingly created elaborate wonders for the parade, far beyond the humble showing of our little truck. Homenergy didn’t always win the best in show, but they were strong contenders every time.

How does a beat-up truck with five musicians and one repeating Creedence Clearwater song win the Fobare? Going back over the footage, it’s not exactly clear.

Historic Saranac Lake volunteer Susan Miller accepts the gigantic Fobare Trophy from King Burpoe and Queen Sauvie. (Provided photo — Historic Saranac Lake)

Yes, marching Historic Saranac Lake staff and volunteers were enthusiastic and perhaps a bit unhinged, but that’s not particularly unusual. Yes, the truck was pretty cool, but there are always plenty of neat vehicles in the parade. The music was loud, and the musicians were rowdy, but the same could be said for plenty of other float entries.

Winning the Fobare had a lot to do with the beautiful poster by Garry Trudeau, creator of 55 years of Doonesbury. Garry’s artwork was a perfect starting point, and it carries a backstory that helped our cause. History, as they say, matters. Garry’s great-grandfather, Dr E. L. Trudeau, established Saranac Lake as a center of medicine and science. Today, we make our museum at his laboratory, and thanks to the support of so many community members, the museum is expanding into Dr. Trudeau’s house next door, once known as “Big Red.”

We had the weight of history and a Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist on our side. Other pieces had to fall into place for the Fobare. It definitely helped that HomEnergy has retired from the scene. That competition would have been far too much, and it made for an open space in the garage of Legendary Float Builder, Don Rumble.

Then there was the 1971 Ford. Don recently sold the truck to Mark Coleman. Mark happily volunteered Don to add the wood siding and all the finishing touches. From behind the counter at Ampersound music on Main Street, Mark is at the center of the local music scene. He suggested we call Dave Filsinger at Trestle Street, which became a wonderful source of props and talent.

Speaking of historic connections, as the parade was getting ready to start, Bill Madden sped by on his way to the grandstand to take his place as Grand Marshall. He and his grandson Bill IV were riding in the cure chair given to us by founding board member, Dot Fobare. Dot was the loving wife of Chet Fobare, the nephew of the trophy namesake. That felt like serendipity for sure.

Bills Madden III and IV curing on Main Street. (Provided photo — Suzanne Rice)

The Fobare only happens when a lot of people pitch in to help. Chris McClatchie loaned his generator. Eric Stender installed a new set of tires. Dan Stoorza and Mike Stender dropped by the garage for quality control. Ron Grinder came all the way from Ohio to help out and ride along. Glenn Burnett of Baker’s Radio at Trestle Street saved the day with the sound system.

It was a small float entry with a big heart. Our traveling band of marchers included my wonderful colleagues at HSL, Chessie Monks-Kelly, Emily Banach, Alex Krach and vivacious volunteers, Natalie Gearhart, Caitlin Keefe, Susan Miller and Nicole Abbott. Our hysterical and talented musicians brought the poster to life — Dave Filsinger as Zonker on sax, Kris Cheney Seymour (AKA John Denver) as Alex on vocals, Joe Waters as Duke on bass, Peter Crowley as Jeff on guitar and Shaun Kittle as Mark on drums.

Many stars aligned to win the Fobare. We still aren’t sure we deserve it, but with thanks to the Winter Carnival Committee, we humbly accept the award.

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Amy Catania is the executive director of Historic Saranac Lake.

Historic Saranac Lake museum specialist Emily Banach shows off the Doonesbury poster that was our inspiration. (Provided photo — Suzanne Rice)