I enjoy reading the online version of The Independent.

I think you commented last week on the 'brain cramped' woman who objected to the street closure during the women's triathlon. Her melting groceries trumped the interest of women's physical fitness apparently.

It reminded me of a situation, just one week before, while I waited to watch the start of the clan parade during the Scottish festival. The intersection of HuronTerrace and Lambton Street was temporarily closed as volunteers - a middle-age woman and two teenagers - moved road blocks to stop traffic. Naturally, cars

backed up, and the complaints began. A man complained that Queen Street was closed and he had no other option. I know Kincardine is a small town, but driving out to Highway 21 seemed to be an impossible option. Other streets could likely have provided passage too. A woman complained she'd be late for work.

A vehicle was allowed to pass for a medical emergency rush to the local hospital. The intersection was closed for 15 minutes, tops. The clan parade itself was maybe five minutes. I doubt the people stuck in their cars bothered to notice or even think to maybe get out and enjoy the parade.

The presence of a uniformed police officer would likely have settled the grumbling complaints of people objecting to the street closure - that by any other standard would be considered inconvenient at worst.

Should police not be part of the road closure planning for the festival? Complaining to a couple of volunteering teenagers isn't exactly like mouthing-off to a police officer. Given the short duration of the road closure, I suspect it did not warrant police supervision.

The parade passed, road blocks  were removed, and traffic resumed. The complaints were petty of course, but hardly justified. I live in Toronto. Trust me, I've seen traffic jams.

The Scottish festival was great, as usual. Canada Day was fun. And the women's short triathlon was amazing. It’s all made possible by volunteers giving time, experience and effort to make these events an annual success. Kincardine is a very special place as you know. Citizens of Kincardine embody spirit and pride in their community; they celebrate their heritage. The quality of life there can't be matched by too many other places.

Tom Threndyle