Fantastic Fourth
ZELIENOPLE — When the Fourth of July “porch parade” stepped off at 11 a.m. Saturday, it featured first responders, the Zelienople American Legion Post 474 Freedom Riders and a smattering of cars with a family band and dignitaries, organized by the Rotary Club of Zelienople.
When it ended on Main Street around noon, the parade included Gators, tractors, pickups, antique vehicles and a cement mixer.
Spectators along the parade route decided to show their appreciation for the Rotary's efforts — and for every American sacrifice made leading up to that hour in history.
“We think it's a great thing that they've done,” said Rich Rice, who stood on the side of Main Street with his wife, Debbie, holding an American flag. “The veterans deserve it.”
The Rices were among those who wanted to show their support during the parade, but weren't part of the initial lineup.
As the parade trailed through town, the couple met it at Clay and Beaver streets before making their way to Main Street for the finale.
The Rotary parade was a new experience for many. After the borough determined in May to forego summer events due to the pandemic, several borough residents were concerned they wouldn't be able to celebrate things like Independence Day with friends and family.
The Rotarians — who have organized the Fourth of July parade for years — decided to bring the celebration to the people.
They secured borough approval for a “procession” through town, established a route that included streets west and east of Main Street and limited event promotion to cut down on public crowding.“The event typically attracts hundreds of folks,” said Steve Schoppe, event co-chair for the Rotary. “We wanted to still hold something for the community to feel as normal as possible during these abnormal times.”The club also wanted to use the parade to show its continued support for the people helping to stop the spread of COVID-19.“Our goal is to bolster community spirit and thank our front-line heroes,” said Kathy Corcoran, newly elected Rotary club president. “We're all about thanking the helpers today.”With a route that snaked through the borough instead of focused on Main Street and fewer planned participants than normal, the parade blazed a new trail Saturday.Some spectators enjoyed the new layout.
Kate and Ben Dougherty were able to watch the proceedings from their front porch with their young daughters, Madeline and Harper.“I think it's kind of cool,” Kate said. “It's kind of nice to be able to sit on our front porch.”“I think it's nice that they're trying to reimagine (things),” Ben said.The Doughertys traditionally watch the parade on Main Street before having a picnic with other members of their family. But they agreed this year's parade was a good way to kick off the Fourth of July.“(It's) cool,” Madeline, 6, said.“I'm just glad to see that there are still true supporters,” said Diane Grunnagle, who watched the line of vehicles with her husband, Ed, and their neighbor, Bonnie Peffer.
“(This) was nice,” Peffer said.Ed said this is the first time since about 1985 the Grunnagles haven't been able to watch the borough's fireworks show. He said it's also the first time in a while he didn't help represent the fire department as part of the celebration.“This will be the first year in some time that I haven't been in the parade,” Ed said.Still, he appreciated the Rotary's organization and initiative.Does the Rotary anticipate bringing back a similar procession next year? Probably not. Schoppe said the porch parade was designed to “fill the gap.”
“We absolutely hope we can return to our regular parade format next year,” Corcoran said. “It's a huge tradition in our town and the Rotary loves making it happen.”Debbie, whose father was in the military for 24½ years, and Rich Rice said they were glad to be part of the Rotary's celebration.Even if it meant breaking with tradition.“At least they did something,” Rich said.“Kudos to the Rotary,” Diane Grunnagle said. “This is great.”
