After my book, “Please God Save Us” came out the Cleveland Scene asked me to write a short article about Cleveland.  Specifically they asked me to write a piece about what I thought was a “hidden or unknown or overlooked positive part of our community”.  I choose to write an article about Parades.  This was written in the Fall of 2008 (I think).  I hope you enjoy it now.  — Kent 8/16/2009

 

Hidden Cleveland Gem:  Parades

The Cleveland Parade Season is book-ended by two titans.  Parade season begins on a winter’s day when the entire town becomes Irish and finishes with a march through Little Italy on the 2nd Monday of October.

But the major marching season is between Memorial Day and Labor Day.  Communities from Berea to University Heights host holiday or home days’ parades that will satisfy your marching band fix throughout the summer.  Among the highlights are Memorial Day in Euclid, 4thof July in Lakewood or Parma or West Park and the 11th Congressional District Labor Day Parade on Cleveland’s East Side.   This town really knows how to walk in a straight line and throw candy.

Where else are you going to see a bag pipe band, Congressman Kucinich, and the Burning River Roller Girls all within the same city block?  Its civic tailgating set to music and your job is simply to watch, smile and wave.  So pull up some curb and meet your elected leaders, judge a few floats and collect a week’s supply of empty calories.  But here’s a tip for the kids – don’t sit above a sewer gate – half of your goodies will go down the drain.  Everyone loves a parade.  Try to see more than one in 2009.

Kent Smith is the co-author of “Please God Save Us” and a Member of the Euclid School Board.   He marched in his first parade in 1994.