It Didn't Rain on Our Parade

View Image Gallery

Well, I guess it literally did rain on our parade. But the rain did not stop the sixth Annual Alive on 185 Parade. It started raining at about the same time parade participants were arriving to line up. Even though it was dreary, raining and cold everyone showed up and was willing to participate in the parade. We waited huddled underneath umbrellas and the awning of the Imagine Bella entrance for the rain to stop, but Mother Nature was not cooperating. The Collinwood Thundercats could be heard practicing their cheers, the drummers from OH Perry were getting their instruments ready, the many vehicles had their engines humming ready to move and the fifth district police were in full force ready to prepare the way. At about two minutes to eleven, the time the parade was to begin, the rain had subsided some, but it was still raining. Some wanted to call it off, but the decision was made to continue on through the rain and that only the vehicles would move down the street. It started out with the Euclid Beach Rocket Car leading the way and one by one the vehicles headed out the parking lot behind the police escort. Then the most amazing thing happened, no it didn’t stop raining. The other parade participants wanted to go as well. The children and families from Helping Hands Day Care, the cheerleaders and students from VASJ, the Team from Garden of Prayer Church, rangers and horses from the Metro Parks, the dogs and their walkers from Dog Paws,  and all the others who showed up were willing to brave the rain and the cold to march down 185th Street. It was a wonderful sight to see and after the last vehicle left the parking lot the rain stopped and as the parade traveled down 185th Street the sun began to shine.  And let’s not forget those who braved the rain and the cold and waited on the street to watch the parade. Though the numbers were few, all who came out enjoyed picking up candy and receiving frozen treats from the ice cream truck provided by Imagine Bella Academy.

The festivities did not end after the last vehicle rode down 185th. There was a lot of activity on the street. Many of the businesses had their merchandise outside, several organizations were on hand passing out information, the  Mobile Market , the Krav food  truck were there as well as Savannah’s kettle corn. Down the street at Fear’s Confections there was more activity. Since the threat of rain was still lingering we moved the band inside and there was a balloon artist and a caricature artist on hand to add to entertainment. The day ended with a concert from the 147 Band in the parking lot of the LaSalle Theater. Their mix of old school and current R&B had us on our feet dancing and singing along. It was a great day on East 185th Street.  The rain did not stop the true spirit of our annual event.  I wish to thank all who participated, donated and attended, there are too many to name here. You are truly appreciated for your efforts! See you next year for a bigger and better event rain or shine!