Augustin's ride: on rollerblades, in Huy

This Saturday, Augustin, an imaginary man in his forties, is going to the "roller parade" in Huy - Augustin, that's it, I found them, shouted Sarah, from the cellar. We can go to the roller parade in Huy. A few moments later, Augustin was looking at two pairs of old skates. - They're not "inline", but with a little bit of oil, they'll do the trick, exclaimed Augustin. Anyway, no need to go fast. - Why not? asked Sarah. That's the fun part! - No, impossible, retorted Augustin. We won't be able to overtake Alexis Housiaux, the alderman for Sports and Culture. - Alexis Housiaux? I don't see who that is, hesitated Sarah. - But yes... You know, the one who waits for May 1st all year round, laughed Augustin. He wouldn't miss it for the world: on that day, exceptionally, he can pass in front of Anne-Marie. He is so happy that he even acts as a majorette with the PS flag. - Oh yes, exclaimed Sarah. I see now: he's always at the head of the parade. Speaking of aldermen, is Éric Dosogne going to the roller parade too? smiled Sarah. - Oh, surely, explained Augustin. You know, this event is a big first. I think he won't miss the opportunity to be in the photo. - And alderman Godelet? smiled Sarah. - André? I swear he is, exclaimed Augustin. I also learned from a reliable source that to ensure a minimum, he has been training in the greatest secrecy for several weeks. - Good grief, Augustin! Sarah was astonished, André Godelet learning to skate, that would have been noticed...! - No, because he does it in a rather discreet place, where nobody else goes: the cable car hall, by the Meuse river, retorted Augustin. After much searching, he found the key. And for a good month now, he goes there every evening. It seems he can do "gaps" on the disused stairs, "ollies" from landing to landing. A real "rider"! And Augustin went on to tell Sarah that André had even - very professionally - had a "paddock" installed at La Sarte, at the other end of the cable car. - You see: over there, there are plenty of tools, and mechanics who ask for nothing better than to use them; even while working on rollerblades! Besides, they even made a special pair for André, so he can go all the way down. From what I've heard, it will be a show that will be the highlight of the August 15th fireworks. - That sounds promising, laughed Sarah. By the way, what about Anne-Marie? - She won't come, explained Augustin. It wouldn't be serious if she were seen on rollerblades. You understand, with Romano Prodi, she has too much to lose in the adventure. - Romano Prodi? questioned Sarah, a little bewildered. - Well yes. As the President of the European Commission is "retiring", as Guy Verhofstadt, our Prime Minister, may replace him; as Elio Di Rupo, the president of the PS, may take the latter's place... Anne-Marie already sees herself as president of the PS. But to have a chance of getting there, it's better to avoid parading. ❶ Roller parade, this Saturday, in Huy, from 7 p.m., starting from the Grand-Place.