Hello Rapids families! Many of you have questions about DUSO and what is this parade you keep hearing about? DUSO is our championship swim meet with all of the teams that we’ve swum against all season. It will be held in Red Hook at the Rec Park on Linden Ave. (directions are available on the SwimTopia app). Parking lots are open at 6:30 AM. Warm ups start at 7 AM and the parade of contestants is at 8:30 am. Swimming begins promptly at 9 AM and the day will progress exactly like every other swim meet we’ve had this season except there are many, many heats for each event, throughout the day. We will have a huge circus tent for all of us to gather under so just bring lawn chairs. Pop-up tents are not allowed at this event.This is an all day affair and our last races are projected to be around 5 PM. There are programs available to purchase and results will be on the Swimtopia app as usual. We do ask that athletes plan to spend the entire day at the event as there’s plenty of opportunity to cheer on your fellow teammates and especially for the relays. We all know the relays after the parade, are the best part of the day! That being said, pack breakfast, snacks, drinks and lunches, or prepare to purchase food there through the food trucks and vendors at the event or snacks and baked goods at Red Hook’s concession stand. Most vendors are cash only some will accept Venmo. There will be other vendors there to buy swim attire, goggles, etc. There is usually a limited amount of DUSO shirts available for purchase if you did not pre-order one. Pre-ordered Tshirts will be distributed the morning of the event before warm-ups.
Now, onto the parade! Every year the host team chooses a theme for the parade-this year the theme is Hawaiian luau and our theme song is “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” from the latest Lilo and Stitch movie. We do dress up in costume for the parade! Thw wilder the better! Dig out your grass skirts, coconut bras, board shorts and Hawaiian shirts! We have a number of leis and things for the kids to wear. Kids are welcome to bring their boogie boards, palm  trees, or pineapples and carry them as props for the parade because we want to look like we’re on a Hawaiian vacation! If you have any questions, text me at (845) 389-4620 or find me during Friday breakfast this coming week! If you have extra luau attire, please bring to share! Also, parents and family members are not only encouraged to dress in the theme, but we practically require it😉🌺🍍🌊🏝️🐚🏖️🪸🪼🌺 Ohana! Ohana means family, and family means Nobody gets left behind.  Oh, and if you see any Tiki god carved idols, keep them in the cave where you found them, OK Greg Brady??