My Day at the Parade
So, the Celtics won, and you know they gotta have a parade, right? Heard Jaylen Brown and the guys would be rolling through downtown. Decided I just had to check it out myself. I mean, you gotta soak these moments in. Knew it’d be packed, probably a bit of a headache, but figured it was worth doing.
Got myself out the door earlier than usual. Even then, getting into the city was something else. Trains were stuffed, more people than I’d seen in a while all heading the same way. Found a spot eventually, kind of wedged between folks near one of the barricades. Then the waiting started. Sun beating down, lots of standing around. You see all sorts of people at these things.
The Actual Parade Bit
You hear it before you see it, always the way. The roar goes up down the street and gets closer. Finally, the first vehicles, then the duck boats. Scanning each one, trying to spot the players. Then I saw Jaylen’s boat coming up.
- He looked genuinely happy, taking it all in. Big smile.
- You think back, remember watching him play at California, just one year there. Now he’s an NBA champion. Pretty cool journey.
- Dude’s a four-time All-Star too, solid player, especially on defense.
He was interacting with the crowd, pointing, waving. Seemed real down-to-earth up there. Must be an incredible feeling. I bet his parents, Mechalle and Marselles Brown, were just bursting with pride. He always comes across as thoughtful, more than just basketball.
Saw a couple of kids wearing his basketball shoes, the ones he launched himself. Someone next to me mentioned they cost like $200 for adult sizes. Pretty bold move to launch your own brand like that. Looks like they’re selling, though. Heard more colors are coming out soon.
The whole vibe was just electric. Confetti cannons going off, music playing, everyone just celebrating together. It’s nice seeing the city come together like that, even if it’s chaotic.
Heading Home
Once his boat passed, things started to slowly break up. Getting out was almost as much work as getting in. Just a sea of people slowly shuffling away. Felt pretty tired by the time I got home, feet were definitely sore from all the standing. But yeah, glad I went. You don’t get days like that often. Just wanted to share what it was like being there.
