July 30, 2007 started out as a rainy day. Would it put the dampers on the celebration of Buddhist Lent and the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival?
No way! Before 8am the rain stopped and the sun started breaking through the clouds. What that means in Thailand is heat.
It was the day for the big parade to honor the masterpieces and the amazing craftsmanship of the candle makers.
Even though it was hot, crowded and the seats were hard, I had it easy compared to the brave participants of the parade. 
I could sit down, fan myself, purchase drinks from the many vendors passing by and enjoy a great parade.
On the other hand, the participants had to be in place early that morning. Many of the girls had to start much earlier getting their hair done, getting in make up and getting into their costumes. 
The marchers and performers participating came from local schools, hostpitals and outlying districts. A much varied group.
I salute everybody who made the parade a big success and allowed me a good day of viewing enjoyment. They not only did their duty honorably on this day but many had to endure numerous rehearsals before hand in preparation.
The dances and music were awesome. I love the lively Isaan music and traditional dances of the different regions.
lively local music performed by young Ubon residents
Molam style seems to reflect the heart and soul of the Thai people of Isaan. The colorful dress just adds to the sensory pleasure. A very good and varied show. The dances were not only from Ubon but also from Buriram and Srisaket provinces as well.
Young Ubon musicians playing local music
I personally want to say a ver big THANK YOU, or maybe “khop Jai lai lai” or “Khop Khun Khrap”, would be more approriate. I am looking forward to next year when we can do it all again.
spending their time watching the crowd
lovely Ubon girl performing dance movement, not waving hello
ubon ratchathani high school students performing local dance
Ubon Beauty Queens
Thai celebrities, Chalerm singing Molam song.
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Hey Darwin – Just enjoying your site. At least, I hope I am making this comment on it – I started there anyway.
I was reading this and thinking about the ‘water’ festival they had there in Ubon when I was stationed there. It was such great fun!
Man, there is so much I remember. It was for sure the best year of my life! 1973/74 Thanks for a great site and really good memories! ~Howdy
http://www.boomerifics.wordpress.com
Billy (Howdy),
Thanks for the comments. You should come back to visit. Many things have changed but some things will be as your remembered and experienced.
Have to add my comment and say thanks also.
A great country and people.
I was there in ’73-’74 and actually took a self-defense class off base(Lotus).
Thanks again.
Dave
Got to add my comments also.
Great country and people.
I was there in 73-74 also and took a self-defense course while stationed there(Lotus).
Enjoyed the pictures.
Dave
Dave,
Thanks for taking the time to visit my site and leave a comment.Things have changed a lot here since ’74. Maybe you know Billy, he was here at the same time.
You should come back and visit.
Let me know if there is anyway I can improve my site.
Darwin
Hey Darwin
My name is Riaan. I can get a position at Narinukul school in Ubon Ratchathani. I can’t find any information on the internet about this school. Will you pls send me info on this school? I will really appreciate it.
I am from Cape Town, South Africa and have never been in the East before.
Thank you
Regards
Riaan Vosloo
riaanvosloo@webmail.co.za
Not only has Ubon probably changed a lot – so has your site, Darwin? It is looking great! Kudos!
I wonder about Dave… email me whenever you feel like it (Darwin and/or Dave). (Dave’s last name didn’t by chance start with a ‘K’ did it?)
I also took some ‘karate’ while stationed in Ubon; I worked in Ration Breakdown and married Buathong Jongcharern, a Thai National from Ubon.
Not only has Ubon probably changed a lot – so has your site, Darwin? It is looking great! Kudos!
I wonder about Dave… email me whenever you feel like it (Darwin and/or Dave). (Dave’s last name didn’t by chance start with a ‘K’ did it?) Maybe had a best friend named Kent?
I also took some ‘karate’ while stationed in Ubon; seems like everyone who stayed sober long enough took some form of self-defense there. In fact, as Darwin might recall, Me ‘n Jeremy took it together. : )
I worked in Ration Breakdown and married Buathong Jongcharern, a Thai National from Ubon. Darwin, if you ever run across anyone with that last name, please let me know. We lost contact with her family several years ago. Thanks! Stay safe!
Bill,
Thanks for your input. Yes Ubon has changed a lot just in the 8 years I have been here.
I don’t know Dave’s last name or his email.
I can’t email you because you have it as private. So if you would like contact you can go to my site and send me an email then I can reply.
Thanks again.
Found your site looking for info about Ubon. I lived there in 1967+1968. My husband at the time was stationed there and I went over and lived there for part of his tour. (no, the USAF didn’t authorize it) Being young at the time, 19, I learned so much, and loved living there. I’m thinking of coming back next year when I go to Chaing Rai with my sister in law to visit her family.
Great story. Life is so much fuller when break some rules. Come back and see how much it has changed in 40 years.