Roads were blocked off, and folks were walking and linking up for their sweet spot at the gathering for Garfield Ridge’s annual Patriot’s Day Parade.
Spearheaded by the Midway Chamber of Commerce, the gathering on Thursday, June 26, along Archer Avenue kicked off with floats lined up, candy ready to be tossed, and a sea of waving American Flags stretched.
Grand Marshal Al Cacciottolo led the parade, setting the tone in a bright red convertible while groups walked on foot nearby like Hope Church, marking the second year of parade fun.
“This is our second year, but the church has participated for many, absolute privilege to be with the community,” said Vanessa Dvgin.
Midway Chamber President Mary Ellen Brown rode in a golf cart while her godchildren, Alena Ramirez, 11, and Aaliyah Sandoval, 8, smiled and waved from the chamber’s patriotic and colorful float.
Alena offered some float-riding advice for new attendees, a practical tip really, “Make sure to sit down,” she said. The highlight of the parade will be the tossing of the candy, she added.
Josh Czarny, owner of Stan’s Barber Shop and a chamber member, shared his favorite part of the parade. “My favorite part is seeing this, the whole community coming out,”
Czarny said, “It’s great for the kids, it’s great for the neighborhood, just another good community event.”
Cznary said that the Patriots Parade is even more significant because of recent divisions and challenges nationwide.
“Events like this remind us we can still come together and celebrate, regardless of our affiliations or different thoughts,” said Cznary’s wife, Nicole. “That’s what this parade is about, unity and celebrating our community and our country.”
Delma Lopez echoed the same sentiment, “Garfield Ridge brings the family-friendly and community atmosphere!”
Representatives from the Clearing Night Force (Neighborhood Watch Group) Judy Ollry, Barb Stoyak, and Marie Zilka bejeweled and dressed their four wheels for the occasion.
“I love that it’s in our own neighborhood and our community,” Zilka said, “The streets are always lined with families, it gets better every year.”
Lady of the Snow educators Rosalva Guiterrez, known as Mrs. G, and principal Christina Avis marched alongside students and families, marking their fifth consecutive year participating in the parade.
“We don’t see each other as often once school ends, so this parade brings everybody back together,” Avis said.
Guiterrez added, “We have a small family community at our school, and this lets us share that with the broader community.”
From the sidelines, the Begna family, mom Perla, and her children Diego, 10, Regina, 7, and Leo, 3, all enjoyed their time at the parade. The kids were all eager to share their favorite parts, all answers ending with candy. “My favorite part is getting the kids outside,” Perla said.
