Smoker makes appearance at Parade

The Daily Spirit 

October 13

Wally Rogers 

During the Annual Firefighter Appreciation Parade, the Smoker made a surprise guest appearance. The parade started at 8:30 am at Roost and 5th, and ended at 12:30 near Roost and 25th, in front of the newest firehouse in Spirit City. Somewhere neat Roost and 13th, a hunch-backed man dressed in a black suit with a white tie limped past the ticker tape, and approached one of the many floats cascading down the street. Police and security saw the man and tried to detain him, but before they could reach him, he produced a cigarette and lit up, instantly turning into this city’s beloved protector: The Smoker.

The parade slowed to a crawl when its participants saw who was on hand. Cheers of approval came from the thousands gathered along the sides of the street, and hundreds of firfighters removed their helmets and held them up, shouting for joy. It was quite a sight to behold, especially given the fact that the Smoker is not prone to public appearances just for the sake of public appearances.

It was good to see him there though. It is nice to know that no matter how the city is treating him (right now they are trying to conduct an investigation into Todd Frost’s–his alter ego–business practices) he still cares about the people and wants them to know that they have his support.

When the cheering subsided, he made a short speech.

“People of Spirit City,” he began, “we are here today to honor some of the finest and bravest men and women in the city. It warms my heart to see all of you here in a show of support for some of the true heroes of this city. You have their thanks, I’m sure, and my gratitude. I don’t want to take up much more of your time, but I wanted to tell these fine folks that they are doing a great job and to keep up the good work. Thank you, and let’s hear it for these brave firefighters!” There was more cheering, and then the Smoker flew off to somewhere else in the city, the sound of frantic cheering heralding his departure.

The parade consisted of nearly thirty floats, a marching band, fifteen fire engines, and a showcasing of the best Dalmatians from all of the firehouses in the city. Despite all of that, the one thing that got people the most excited was the Smoker’s appearance, which just goes to show that no matter what people say, Spirit City loves the Smoker.

I too, love the Smoker and am glad that he is here in our fair city to protect us. But, I wish that he had stayed around a little longer at the fair. He is difficult to contact for interviews, and this was the perfect opportunity to ask him some questions. But, he would have nothing to do with that, and flew off before any member of the press could get a chance to talk to him. I guess that is good, though, since it makes his actions seem a little more sincere and not just a way to grab the headlines, which of course he did anyway.