Just finished looking at last year's piccies and the official website which you linked to. Looks like a fun and interesting event. Hope the weather this year is better than that of last year.

Do lots of towns observe this day, or is it uique to your town? Lots of small towns here in the midwest US have town festivals, but obviously not with the same historical significance of yours. There are always parades and lots of good food and entertainment.

Looks like you have the perfect vantage point from the guest house.