Pioneer Days Parade entry sponsor criticized

Editor,

Congratulations to all of the planners, organizers, participants and spectators. This year's Ronan Pioneer Days events were enjoyed as always by my family. Most enjoyed by my grandchildren were the kiddie parade and kiddie/city slicker rodeo.

Regretfully, our communities are also going through a deep period of sadness and anger because of the recent deaths caused by the out-of-control abuse of alcohol by our youth - also, the deteriorating effect on the moral fiber of our families.

It's hard, I'm sure, to pinpoint any specific reason. Anyone would have to be naive to believe that, but one strong influence that has been proven to be a powerful adversary is commercial advertising.

At last year's kiddie parade, a float that was full of children was used as a billboard for a local saloon.

Then at this year's kiddie parade, three grass skirt hula girls, two of them children, were walking Main Street with Popsicles, handing them to children with smiles and generosity - then touting the name of the same local saloon.

"Children and alcohol do not mix." How callous, irresponsible and blatant could you possibly be? "Joe Camel" would envy your tactics - but stay away from the children.

Gilbert Ray Michell

St. Ignatius