I’m feeling quite good about myself these days. And there is a special reason for this uncharacteristic enhancement of my self-worth. I have been selected as Parade Marshall for the 2003 Annual Tri-State Band Festival. When the Festival Committee approached me with the idea, I became delirious and nearly hyperventilated. Yet, I attempted to maintain a certain level of decorum and appear unaffected by this great mark of distinction. I accepted the honor in a refined and delicate manner. Afterward, however, my true feelings burst forth. I leapt into the air numerous times and shouted, "Yes! Yes! I’ve finally made it. I’m a successful human being." I ran from the office into the library and proclaimed the good news to anyone who would listen. (I am not making this up.) All my life I’ve wanted to ride down Main Street in the back of a red convertible and wave. I never got to be homecoming queen or dairy princess or pork princess or any other elusive position that would provide that opportunity. My secret longing will finally be fulfilled on Saturday, Sept. 27. I believe the wait has been worth it. The Tri-State Band Festival Parade Marshall is so much more important than a mere homecoming queen. Who knows where this may lead? Mayor of Luverne, governor of Minnesota, director of the Library of Congress — the sky’s the limit. The Tri-State Band Festival has always been very important to me. I was on the committee for 15 years and I know that a lot of people put a great deal of work into it. The parade starts at 10 a.m. but you’ll want to get there early for a front-row seat. You can buy your band festival buttons the day of the parade, but they are a dollar less if you get them ahead of time. You can pick one up at the library for $3. When you stop by the library to get your band festival button, you can also view your 2003 Parade Marshall in advance. I will either be in the office, behind the checkout desk, or performing esteem-enhancing jobs like fixing the toilet. You can also pick up the hot new title by Linda Lael Miller, "Don’t Look Now." When hard-working attorney Clare Westbrook learns that her ambulance-chasing boss has been murdered, she's shocked — but not exactly surprised. Harvey Kredd was known for his less-than-ethical business dealings, and even his acts of generosity were tinged with greed. Clare knows that Harvey's death doesn't let her out of her contract with the firm. Instead it brings her a new multimillionaire client, and Tony Sonterra, homicide detective, who's not above using a murder investigation to get back into Clare's life. Jump-starting her affair with Tony is the last thing Clare needs — she's got enough on her plate raising her niece, Emma. Then Clare gets the news that may convince her Tony is exactly what she needs: Emma's father has been released from prison, and he's intent on seeing his daughter. Though she could never persuade the police to believe her, Clare is convinced that James Arren murdered her sister. Clare is determined to find evidence that will put James Arren away for good, but Tony is just as determined to keep her safe, after another murder — clearly meant to target Clare — rocks the law firm. With no real leads, too many suspects, and a growing chain of menacing violence, Clare finds that teaming up with Tony is her only option — one that's just too attractive to resist. Alert: We continue to collect book donations for the Friends Annual Book Sale which is set for Sept. 18-20.
