Having watched parades throughout Monmouth County since 1955, rarely missing one in Highlands, but never having been in a parade since I played the bugle in high school at the St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York, I was thrilled to accept the invitation from the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Food Pantry to be one of their fruits or vegetables in their first ever float in the Highlands St. Patrick’s Day parade last week.
Traci and Dan Curtin, along with their daughter Catherine, an amazing woman on her own, and the entire team at the Food Pantry planned and worked hard to make the first float they’ve ever entered the very best it could be. The idea of “WHY NOT?” enter the parade was thanks to the enthusiasm of Rick and Laura McGovern, as well as Laura’s son Marino, all of whom not only volunteer for the Pantry but are truly artistic and created a spectacular float for the Pantry.
Since it is a food pantry, one popular in town, fruits and vegetables were the logical choice. There would be walkers carrying the Food Pantry banner, along with riders in the float attractively decked out with greens, whites, leprechauns, shamrocks and everything else Irish. And each of the participants would be a different fruit or vegetable, thanks to costumes ordered for the occasion.
With a strawberry, blueberry, luscious looking hamburger and a very large baking potato, I opted to be a bunch of green grapes sitting in the float. The two young men in the float were well stocked with lollipops and wrapped candies and green beads to toss out to a happy crowd, while the rest of us waved Irish flags to show our support for all the cheers we received.
Out front, and carrying the flag proclaiming the Pantry, Tricia and Dad were corned beef and cabbage, and they were joined by a banana, a potato, a strawberry, grapes, ramen and even salad dressings to top it all off!. The Food Pantry is big on healthy foods, for sure, but also has plenty of other food items, so milk, cupcakes, a pickle, pistachio, cookies and even peanut butter and jelly also made up the Food Pantry float.
Before the parade even started, the float was getting kudos and approvals from other float designers in the Sea Streak parking lot where all were assigned for an orderly and timely start, in the proper row, along the line of march on Bay Avenue to Bahrs Restaurant. Judges for the Business Partnership’s contest for one of their four trophies mingled with the crowd, checking ou9 designs, asking questions, checking off points for each category.
Once the parade started, including a respite along side streets because of an unexpected delay….one of the Irish bands went to Highland Park instead of the real Highlands, so the start had to wait for them to arrive….it was amazing to see and hear the crowds on every corner, in every open park, hanging from windows, standing in doorways, all showing happiness, As Grand Marshal Mayor Carolyn Brullon said later, “all the joy and happiness was restorative to the soul.” She couldn’t have said it better. There was a joy, and outright laughter and enthusiasm for every float and marching group that passed.
As a first-time participant, I was in awe. The crowds were the largest I have seen in Highlands in more than 70 years; the laughter and happiness of the crowd was brighter than the warming sun and clear sky; the shouts of “Thanks” and “You look great!” or “I see you every week at the Pantry!” made it clear how much the Food Pantry is appreciated in town.
The youngsters…and yes, oldsters, along the route ran out and said thanks for the lollipops, all ages scattered along the side of the road to pick up the goodies being thrown out to a happy, festive crowd But through it all , there were shouts of thanks, wows at the creativity of the float, and genuine happiness. It remains clear that this parade was a truly bright spot marking the end of a dreary winter.
Passing the Reviewing Stand at Miller St., we stopped at the direction of Carla Cefalo, the mastermind behind all the wondrous things the Partnership does all year. It only took a minute and a few words from Carla to let the OLPH Food Pantry know why it was stopped in front of the reviewing stand.
Carla came down and presented the Partnership Trophy for the Most Creative and original float to the OLPH Food Pantry for its magnificent fruits and vegetables. For the rest of the route, the Pantry volunteers held the trophy up high so all could see. And the parish pastor, the Rev. Jarlath Quinn, who had been in the line of march with the Knight of Columbus, was on hand to welcome the trophy winners and add his own congratulations for a job well done.
Looking back on the experience, there are so many things that stand out….In Highlands, everyone works together, businesses, volunteers, borough employees, home owners, simply everyone. Folks like Tom Snow reached out and invited volunteer special officers from neighboring towns to volunteer their own time for the afternoon. And they did. People certainly appreciate the OLPH Food Pantry, and the Church on the hill, the only Church in town, is truly an integral part of Highlands.
Everybody came together to put on a show. Entertainment, local talent in the schools, the charm of Irish music, beauty of decorated motorcycles and antique cars, clever displays by local businesses and organizations, and great presentations from more than 120 entrants who signed up to participate in this well-organized presentation.
It’s enough to make you wonder how the world would be different if everyone shared so much, worked so well together, laughed so much and enjoyed the simple fun things of life like laughing together every day or even on a regular basis. It’ certainly worth a try.
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