Had a great time at the parade. Was pleased with how things went. I think the added media coverage of zero-tolerance helped, combined with the 20+ uniformed police/security presence on every corner. Going forward, I would like to see the parade revert to Noon or 1:00, given the emphasis on "faith, family, and community" (with "faith" listed first). Churches should not have to cancel 10:00 and/or 11:00 Mass, and family and friends should not have to forego religious services, due to traffic and/or parking restrictions around the numerous churches close to the parade route. Let's keep our church servcies in the AM, and celebrate our heritage afterwards. (And, for the record, I do not live in St. John Fisher. We had guests coming that wanted to celebrate Mass before joining us. Both Oakley and Bell were baracaded north of 119th; no access to St. Walter, without an argument with an officer. I expect others had a similar experience when trying to get to St. Cajetan and Morgan Park Baptist Church, among other churches in the neighborhood.)
Everything was perfect. Even the naysayers who desperately wanted something to go wrong just so they could complain some more were left with nothing. Kudos to all the committee for their hard work!
Parade was pretty lame. If I was in charge, there would be no politicians. I'd have many more marching bands, dance troupes, Shriners in go karts and other groups. Every entry in the parade should be required to throw something: candy, beads, trinkets for the kids.
As someone who did not want to see the parade return, I felt I had to experience it first hand to give an honest account. I must say blogger, you were right. The parade was MUCH improved... I was asked if my Dunkin Donuts cup had alcohol by one of the security...i did not see anyone with booze on the parade route and saw no drunken puking teenage brats either ! I saw alot of families and little kids enjoying themselves... job well done
Alderman O'Shea said it could not be done. In his letter to Mayor Emmanuel, O'Shea demonstrated his total lack of confidence in our community's ability to successfully host this event.
With his selection of such an inferior candidate for State Rep., Committeeman O'Shea displayed a complete disregard for the intelligence of his constituents who recognize the qualities and values which are required of a good candidate.
Let this be the first publicly recorded vote of "No Confidence" in Matt O'Shea.
the parade route was probably the only place where drinking and cases of beer were NOT going on....if you saw people walking along other streets, there was plenty of beer and young drunks (and some elder too...) taking over ...glad it was a quick parade... If it MUST continue... I hope it stays small and quick!!!
Cell phone coverage was pretty poor otherwise seemed to go rather well.
ReplyDeletebring it back next year!
ReplyDeleteHad a great time at the parade. Was pleased with how things went. I think the added media coverage of zero-tolerance helped, combined with the 20+ uniformed police/security presence on every corner. Going forward, I would like to see the parade revert to Noon or 1:00, given the emphasis on "faith, family, and community" (with "faith" listed first). Churches should not have to cancel 10:00 and/or 11:00 Mass, and family and friends should not have to forego religious services, due to traffic and/or parking restrictions around the numerous churches close to the parade route. Let's keep our church servcies in the AM, and celebrate our heritage afterwards. (And, for the record, I do not live in St. John Fisher. We had guests coming that wanted to celebrate Mass before joining us. Both Oakley and Bell were baracaded north of 119th; no access to St. Walter, without an argument with an officer. I expect others had a similar experience when trying to get to St. Cajetan and Morgan Park Baptist Church, among other churches in the neighborhood.)
ReplyDeleteIt was great!! Let's continue this tradition!
ReplyDeleteEverything was perfect. Even the naysayers who desperately wanted something to go wrong just so they could complain some more were left with nothing. Kudos to all the committee for their hard work!
ReplyDeleteParade was pretty lame. If I was in charge, there would be no politicians. I'd have many more marching bands, dance troupes, Shriners in go karts and other groups. Every entry in the parade should be required to throw something: candy, beads, trinkets for the kids.
ReplyDeleteSo volunteer for next year's parade. Every committee needs help, be it time, effort or money. We'd welcome you with open arms.
DeleteAs someone who did not want to see the parade return, I felt I had to experience it first hand to give an honest account. I must say blogger, you were right. The parade was MUCH improved... I was asked if my Dunkin Donuts cup had alcohol by one of the security...i did not see anyone with booze on the parade route and saw no drunken puking teenage brats either ! I saw alot of families and little kids enjoying themselves... job well done
ReplyDeleteExactly what was needed. Next year, however, candy must be thrown. Congrats to the committee.
ReplyDeleteThey don't want candy thrown because kids can get hurt retrieving it near the wheels of the floats.
ReplyDeleteI would like what they do in eastern european countries, and that is to set up a bar in the cemetery right next to the grave, yes that would be nice,
ReplyDeleteAlderman O'Shea said it could not be done. In his letter to Mayor Emmanuel, O'Shea demonstrated his total lack of confidence in our community's ability to successfully host this event.
ReplyDeleteWith his selection of such an inferior candidate for State Rep., Committeeman O'Shea displayed a complete disregard for the intelligence of his constituents who recognize the qualities and values which are required of a good candidate.
Let this be the first publicly recorded vote of "No Confidence" in Matt O'Shea.
the parade route was probably the only place where drinking and cases of beer were NOT going on....if you saw people walking along other streets, there was plenty of beer and young drunks (and some elder too...) taking over ...glad it was a quick parade... If it MUST continue... I hope it stays small and quick!!!
ReplyDelete