The 4th of July Children's Parade that was started over 30 years ago by a few neighbors on Lenox and Pershing Places has evolved into a more orchestrated event. Back then there were children on ponies and turtle races. These days the Central West End Association sponsors the event and a team of board members and volunteers have put a lot of thought and effort into creating a fabulous celebration for the young and young-at-heart. The other huge factor in making this year's parade the most fabulous ever was the weather. Instead of a typical 90-100 degree steamy 4th of July the thermometer registered "ideal" all day long.
A stilt walker and a unicyclist from Circus Kaput, above and below, waited for a fire truck from the neighborhood's Engine House 28, located at 4810 Enright in the Fountain Park neighborhood, to arrive and lead the parade, which started a little after 9 a.m.
Bikes were covered with decorations
and there were balloons galore.
The canine corps was dressed for the occasion as well.
Though the subject of this photo doesn't look too sure, the fire truck was indeed parked.
CWEnder Tim O'Connor played parade marches from his vintage '67 Mustang.
Lots of people took photos yesterday. Those interested in sharing may send them to either the CWEA for their website and/or CWEScene.org so they can be entered in their ongoing photo contest and posted on their website. I'll be posting more photos of my own later.
I was so much happier this year than last year with the parade. Last year I felt like we were going to get run over by cars but being escorted this time with the bike cops made me feel like it was so much safer. I LOVE living in the CWE but am so sad to be leaving so very soon. Great job to all that helped organized this very fun event!!
Nicki,
Great images and captions. It looks like it was a huge success. Congrats to all of the organizers of this event.
Hats off to the CWEA for organizing a SPECTACULAR event! In particular, Francis Thompson, Amy Howell Mittelstadt, Katie O’Connor, and Doug Teasdale. These people worked tirelessly to bring us a great (AND FREE) community event. Also, tip of the hat to the 28th district fire dept who showed and were simply wonderful to all our kids. It was so nice to see our Alderwoman, Lyda Krewson, who knows so many of us by name, there and participating. And the NSI had bike cops there. Thanks Jim Dwyer. What a great community we live in. How lucky are we?!