Shafers ready to ride in Thanksgiving Day parade after stop at McDonald's

Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Elizabeth Shafer of Hope's Way in Bainbridge rides through the McDonald's drive-through on horseback earlier this week to promote her upcoming participation in the 79th annual McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade in Chicago on Thursday.

It's turkey time again and customers at the Greencastle McDonald's drive-through window earlier this week were surprised to find Elizabeth Shafer of Hope's Way riding her beautiful Paso Fino horse Cantador in line to order carry-out.

Richard Shafer even surprised one little visitor by granting her first ride on a horse, courtesy of McDonald's.

McDonald's of Greencastle is again partnering with Hope's Way of Bainbridge in sponsoring the travels of Putnam County residents Elizabeth and Rick Shafer to Chicago to participate in the 79th annual McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade.

Jim and Cathy Hill of Lynhurst Health Care have also assisted in travel arrangements.

The Shafers, members of St Paul the Apostle Church in Greencastle, are charter members of the equine group "Red Hats and Purple Chaps."

The unique prize-winning group of Red Hat riders includes participants from all over Indiana and has become a crowd-pleasing favorite in many state, local and out-of-state parades, including the famous Kentucky Derby Parade.

The group, which is led by founder Dr. Jane Howard of Martinsville, also includes walkers who will continue a tradition of thrilling older women viewing the parade by handing them a red rose.

The Chicago parade can viewed live at 9 a.m. Thanksgiving Day at WGN 9 Chicago or WGN America.

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