It's obvious by the turnout that this neighborhood loves the Central West End Association's 4th of July Children's Parade. It's a simple, small-town kind-of-affair – a little homemade, a little professional (Wayne the Balloon Guy) – with stellar volunteers, enthusiastic parents and excited children.
The sponsor of the 36th annual event was 28th Ward Alderman Lyda Krewson who's photographed as she and husband Mike Owens arrive at the start of the parade at Euclid and McPherson Avenues.
Firemen from the neighborhood's Engine House 28 led the 2015 parade.
There were approximately 100 people participating again this year. We were hopeful that the numbers would remain the same, as we pushed the parade back to a 10 a.m. start instead of 9 a.m., and were competing with the V. P. Parade in Forest Park.
Paraig Farrell and Jim Howard volunteered to carry the CWEA parade banner.
I love this shot of Lyda snapping photos of residents, some of whom are within her ward boundaries, against the backdrop of a Hortense Place mansion and the Park Plaza in the distance. What a unique place this is!
Tim O'Connor followed the parade playing Philip Sousa marches from his red Mustang.
Heading to parade's end at the Maryland Plaza fountain, above and below.
More photos to follow.