BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Cathy Albro - ECPv4.6.23//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Cathy Albro X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://cathyalbroforcongress.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Cathy Albro BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20180704T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20180704T100000 DTSTAMP:20181024T075922 CREATED:20180702T195936Z LAST-MODIFIED:20180704T010435Z UID:261-1530691200-1530698400@cathyalbroforcongress.com SUMMARY:Hollyhock Lane Parade DESCRIPTION:Join us for our annual Hollyhock Lane Parade. \n\n8:00: participants line up\n8:30: marching begins\n\nCeremonies follow immediately after the parade. \nFor over eighty years\, the Hollyhock Lane Parade has welcomed each Fourth of July morning on the streets of the northwest portion of Ottawa Hills. Started as a bike parade for kids in 1934\, it was a way to entertain the kids at little cost during the Great Depression. It then became a tradition in itself when the neighbors running it incorporated as the Calvin-Giddings Patriotic Association\, with the objectives “ to Instill Patriotism” and “to Promote Neighborliness.” Because it has always operated informally\, with one or two meetings of neighbors to set it up\, and has encouraged participation by one and all\, it has become the longest-running continuous Independence Day parade in Michigan. Over the years fireworks (at 5:30 am!) have given way to a more leisurely march time of 8:30 am with lots of additional marching units. Bikes are still prominent\, but so are kids’ floats\, Fire and Police vehicles\, antique cars\, Scouts and church groups\, elected officials and candidates for office. Basically\, if you show up\, you can be in the parade. \nCeremonies following the parade are held in Hollyhock Lane\, between Calvin and Giddings Avenues. A great jazz combo\, coffee and cookies for the adults and popsicles for the kids\, cash prizes for the best kids’ floats\, some patriotic sing-alongs and a short address on an appropriate topic provide an opportunity for neighbors to gather\, chat and reflect on the real meaning of the day. \nThe parade is always held on the Fourth of July\, unless that date occurs on Sunday. Then the parade occurs on Saturday the third. The events are supported financially through a door-to-door collection in Ottawa Hills and the neighborhood to the west\, and by a donation from the Ottawa Hills Association. \nThe City of Grand Rapids\, which shut down the first parade because we didn’t have a permit\, has ever since been our biggest supporter from the logistical standpoint. \nEach year we end the ceremonies by singing “God Bless America.” And then have brunch! And a nap\, if we can get it! \nFor more details\, here is the Hollyhock Lane poster for 2018.\nTo read more about the event\, see the Mlive article \n URL:https://cathyalbroforcongress.com/event/hollyhock-lane-parade/ LOCATION:Ottawa Hills END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR