With this final post about last Monday's 4th of July Parade I hope to explain who is involved in putting this neighborhood event together. It does indeed take a village. First of all, thanks to the Central West End Association for organizing the parade which has gotten better and bigger each year. The not-for-profit CWEA is funded by residents and neighborhood businesses (why not get on the bandwagon and join here). Please read the interesting profile about Kelly Waters, the new president of the CWEA, in the July 1 issue of the West End Word (here), which explains why the organization is so important to the vitality of the CWE.
A special thank you to parade chair Bridget Collins and her enthusiastic group of neighborhood volunteers, which included parents of children from the The Biome School, 4471 Olive Street, who served as face painters.
Sponsorship for the parade was provided by CWE North Community Improvement District, which is funded by a special tax on purchases made within the district. The next time you stop in Jeni's say "thank you" for generouslay providing the delicious ice cream that was served at parade's end. And thank Straub's and Manager Tom Hogan for providing lemonade and ice. The staff of Maryland Plaza printed parade posters that were seen in shop windows and restaurants throughout the area; and of course for the fountain on Maryland Plaza which is the site for so many CWE events.
The firemen and fire truck from Engine House 28 are always a big draw. Thanks to Chief of the St. Louis Fire Department Dennis Jenkerson for making this happen.
Thanks to Captain Eric Larson and officers of the 5th District for managing traffic control, and Police Officer Brian Waltman of the St. Louis Police Department's Mounted Patrol Unit, who arranged for two mounted policemen to leave Fair St. Louis and join CWEnders on Maryland Plaza.
Volunteers worked non-stop painting patriotic symbols on sweaty little faces.
CWEA board members from left, Kate Walter, Anna Cardot, Patrick Fox and Dennis Overton (partially hidden) poured lemonade and scooped bowls and bowls of ice cream. Volunteer Cabanne Howard, in Cardinals hat, pitched in too.
A performer from Circus Kaput (holding rings above) turned one of the dads (yellow shirt) into a juggler.
More snapshots from a memorable morning in the CWE.
Thanks to everyone who made the day so special. It's one of the favorite neighborhood traditions, and I know families appreciate all of the effort that goes into producing it.