Girls say ‘thank you’ for birthday parade
After children’s birthday parties were canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak, White Rock Valley neighbors got creative. They messaged residents on social media to create a parade of cars to cheer 13 children with honks and waves.
“I had to run to the bathroom [because] I didn’t want my kids to see me balling,” shared Kelli Weitzel on Facebook when the parade was over. “It is so wonderful to live in this community. What a special place and people.”
“I cried too,” agreed Lauren Chism. “My gal was a little timid during but can’t stop talking about it now.”
After Sunday’s parade, cars loaded with families drove through the Diversicare parking lot spreading cheer to elderly residents there. Officials at the retirement home had requested word search books, crossword books, arts & craft kits and prewrapped snacks to keep residents cheered while the facility is prohibited from hosting entertainers and volunteers.
“That had to have been 70 cars,” wrote Scott Dahlberg, father of birthday girl, Sadie. “It was over 6 minutes long. Amazing. Thank you.”
The birthday parade was so enjoyable, organizer Kelly Musgrave says it will continue each Sunday at noon until social distancing is no longer required. All birthdays in White Rock Valley, including those of adults, will be celebrated and a collection box for Diversicare residents will be placed at the parade starting point at White Rock Elementary.
Dogs enjoyed the birthday parade, too
Kids wave to children stuck home on their birthday
Birthday parade lines up at White Rock Elementary
Birthday parade snakes down Chiswell
