Sakon Style: Land of Smiles

Word had gotten around, there was to be a parade. There was one.

Nobody seemed to know the parade route.

There were Thai folk along ITU (road) expecting the parade to pass in front of their house.

A friend of mine, works for the government, gave me a ride.

First we drove past City hall, nothing going on there.
Nothing going on at the provincial headquarters either.
A phone call and we were now headed to What Phra That Dum, at the other end of town.
Nothing there either.

Finally got out at Patana School.

The parade and ceremonies were conducted within the confines of Patana School complex.

Huge posters of government officials set the tone of the event:

Opening ceremonies of the week-long sports competition.

Parade participants outnumbered the 'viewing audience.'

I hear mention (unconfirmed gosip) that the government is spending 10 million on this week-long festival of 'sports and theater.' (337,644.00 USD). The event is a gathering of representatives from many Isan provinces.

Tourists? Nah didn't see any.