All across the United States, Americans need an easing of the Coronavirus blues.
Honestly, the first couple of days of social isolation felt like a long weekend. The first week felt like a stay at home vacation, but after that, the walls started closing in quickly. With everything closed down, there are few breaks from the mind-numbing boredom.
They say, “Necessity is the mother of invention,” and that was certainly the case here. Joe Steinmetz and his wife Renee, who readers will remember from our article, “Corvette Cruisers of Atlanta Visit Milton Robson Collection,” had an idea.
Their idea? Team up with First Responders from the North Jackson Fire Department along with the Jackson Co. Sheriff’s Office to do a four community parade. The goal? Give people a reason to get out of their house and socialize from a safe distance.
This parade was an opportunity for four neighborhoods in the Pendergrass, Georgia area to know they were not alone. The idea was brilliant in both it’s simplicity and ease of execution.
The Parade Is A Go
On Wednesday, April 14th, the word went out over social platforms; they were going to have a parade the next day. The notice read: “Neighborhood Fire Truck (and more) Parade!”
The announcement went on to say, “On Thursday, starting at 1 pm, the North Jackson Fire Department will have a neighborhood parade. Here are the neighborhoods we will visit: Fairview Station, River Plantation, Scenic Falls, and Whitaker Downs.”
It was a well-written announcement, brief and to the point. The only problem, other than fire trucks, where was the (and more) part coming from for the event?
Corvette Cruisers Of Atlanta Answer The Call
Greg Stevens, a member of Corvette Cruisers of Atlanta, got wind of the event and passed it along to the club’s Corvette faithful. In less than 18 hours, the club was able to rally about a dozen Vettes to participant in the event.
In one fell swoop, the (and more) part of the parade was taken care of for the event. Talking to various members, you could tell they were genuinely excited to be a part of it.
Corvette owners, in general, and this club, in particular, enjoy giving back to the community whenever they can.
North Jackson Fire & Sheriffs Dept Step Up
The North Jackson Fire Department’s motto is “Neighbor Helping Neighbor,” and they certainly lived up to it. They efficiently laid out the route they would take through the sub developments.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s department professionally handled traffic concerns.
Trust me, there was potential for traffic concerns. Try weaving a handful of large fire trucks, rescue vehicles, and a dozen Corvettes through narrow streets and cul-de-sacs at the same time.
I was amazed at how well the fire department moved those large trucks around the twists and turns. In the end, there was nothing to fear. The First Responder pros were here.
Everything went off without a hitch.
Outpouring Of Love From The Community
We didn’t know what kind of community response to expect. Especially given that there was just a one day notice.
The truth is, the North Jackson Fire Department, the Jackson County Sheriffs Department, and Corvette Cruisers of Atlanta just wanted to try. There is just something about people coming together to help others that resonates in your soul.
What happened on that sunny Spring day brought a smile to everyone’s face.
There were several hundred people that came out of their homes to wave and shout their support for the area’s First Responders. Many made signs or proudly waved Old Glory.
Some pulled out chairs or spread out blankets to watch the parade pass by their home. It was a real neighborhood parade in every sense of the word.
The Coronavirus Break Everyone Needed
All told, the parade lasted just over an hour, covered four Pendergrass area neighborhoods, and was just wholesome fun. In the end, I’m not sure who enjoyed it the most. Was it those in the parade or those who lined the streets? Either way, Vettes of Atlanta Magazine was honored to be a part of it.
We can see why people in the neighborhoods came out to support their First Responders. These professional men and women of the North Jackson Fire Department and Jackson County Sheriffs Department always step up to answer the call for those who are in need.
For their dedication, and this break from the Coronavirus blues, we owe them a great deal.
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