NEWARK, Vt. -
The Olympic spirit is echoing throughout the world. And at the Willoughby Gap Farm it's coming full circle, complete with London-like weather.
"Two weeks ago we said, Oh, the Olympics start Friday. Let's do an Olympics theme," said Linda Britt of Willoughby Gap Farm.
They decided to put on a parade, inviting 204 kids to the farm; the same number of countries and territories competing in the games.
"We took pictures of the internet with our cameras and we printed a picture of each flag for 12 cents. We recycled our grain bags to put the name of the country and handprinted information," Britt said.
If you take a look around you, this production may look like a five-ring circus, but these ladies say this is exactly how they like it.
"This is where we grew up, so we love having kids here doing what we were doing," said Janice Solinsky of Willoughby Gap Farm.
They set up the parade in official fashion with a torchbearer and all.
"She asked if I would be willing to carry the torch because the owner of the local gas station suggested me to her," torchbearer Ben McCormack said.
OK, not that official. But he says the excitement is a uniting force for this crowd.
"I think it is the ultimate competition," McCormack said. "It comes along every four years. It's a chance to root for your own country."
His son will follow him with Greece's flag, which always leads the opening ceremonies.
Reporter Molly Smith: Do you know why they go first?
Luke McCormack: Because running started in Greece?
Something like that.
First, they handed out all the flags in alphabetical order, and then paraded the kids around in a circle on the farm. Some kids had to double up on their flags, but they made sure everyone was represented. They say it is a learning experience in geography and history. For most parade-goers, this is their first Summer Games of memory.
"My son's response was, 'There is this many countries?!'" Amber Holden said.
Even the organizers admit it's getting them a little more excited for the ceremonies in London.
"These will be the first ones I have ever watched to be truthful. Just to see how close we are to what it will be on TV," Solinsky said.
And in case you are wondering, in this crowd water sports win out.
"I have watched them in the past and I enjoy watching the swimming," Solinsky said.
Molly Smith: What is your favorite sport to watch?
Luke McCormack: Swimming! RL or MP Michael Phelps!
And with a lighting of the ceremonial eternal flame underneath the Olympic rings, the games can officially begin.
Some fun facts I learned: the reason the Olympic rings are blue, black, red, green and yellow is because at least one of those colors can be found in each flag of the countries competing. And Great Britain's flag will be the last in the parade because they are the host country!
