September 18 dawned damp and foggy in Norfolk, but by mid-afternoon the sun broke through the clouds. Hundreds of people lined the streets to celebrate the town’s 150th birthday with a parade, postponed from one year ago because of the pandemic. By the time the parade kicked off at 3 p.m., the day was warm and bright. That evening, fireworks filled the clear night sky, the spectacular finale coming just in time, right before a passing thunderstorm crossed the area.

It was as if the heavens intervened and smiled benevolently on the small town. After a very difficult eighteen months, it was almost magical how everything came together perfectly and resulted in a great day to celebrate Norfolk.