My haiku this year was inspired by the new special 20th anniversary category, “Syracuse — past or Future.” It combines nostalgic fond childhood memories with important Syracuse history.

A visit to Park-Brannock shoe store was exciting for my sister and me. We would have our feet measured, select new shoes and THEN climb on our “favorite” horse on the store's merry-go-round and start pedaling — as it was “kid-powered.” What fun!

Native Syracusan, Charles Brannock invented and patented the device that measures feet to determine correct shoe size in 1926. It is used worldwide and is still manufactured locally in Liverpool, New York.