Thanks For A Successful Anniversary Parade Waltham: Randy LeBlanc

WALTHAM, MA — On Sept. 22, Waltham marked its 135th anniversary as a city with a parade and block party. City Councilor Randy LeBlanc was a driving force behind it. He submitted a letter to the editor to express his thanks for everyone involved in the parade.

From Randy LeBlanc: The phrase “everyone loves a parade” rang true in Waltham on Sunday, Sept. 22. On behalf of the 135th Anniversary Parade Committee, I would like to thank the entire community for their generosity, participation and hard work that made the event a success.

The parade and block party could not have been possible without the Waltham business community’s generosity. The committee is grateful for the help, guidance, planning and support from Mayor McCarthy, Waltham Police and Fire, Police Lt. Dennis Deveney, Waltham Wires Department, Waltham Consolidated Public Works and the New England Regional Carpenters.

It all started with an idea from Greg LeBlanc, who said to me, “Why don’t we have parades in Waltham anymore?” I thought about this for a while and then spoke to Bill Hanley about his Little League parades and got him on board to organize and plan. Deanna and Joe Vanaria, Lisa Burke, Liz Dragone and Cathyann Harris all joined the committee.

We were nervous about whether we could pull this off in three months. Challenge accepted.

We wanted to include the entire Waltham community. All groups, leagues, schools, classic car owners, bands, the Shriners and locals were invited to participate. We asked the Downtown Waltham Partnership for help to raise $40,000 in business sponsorships.

Thank you, Lisa Lorgeree and Doug Waybright, for your fundraising work. Carol Watts, thank you for your work on the Block Party. Shelly Drowns, thank you for organizing the bands.

Like-minded people with the common goal of celebrating our diversity came together for the good of the community. The smiles on kids’ faces were a mile wide, the block party committee brought in a wide range of vendors, with over 40 from Waltham.

Thank you, Kit Fintzel, Kathy Horrigan and Jenn Marston. The Fun Zone at Brascos tired out both kids and parents. Thank you, Brasco family, for letting us take over your parking lots.

There were no major safety incidents, and the NEMLEC motorcycle unit kept the parade safe. We forgot how truly special it is to watch a 4-year-old’s excitement seeing a police motorcycle up close, a fire truck blasting its horn or a Shriner clown giving a quick high-five.

We saw how special it was for people to rekindle memories of their own visit to see the Grover Cronin Easter Bunny. The feedback has been nothing but positive, and we want to thank everyone who brought their families to celebrate our city.

Randy LeBlanc is an at-large city councilor. He lives on Linden Circle.

Read more:

Waltham's 135 Anniversary Parade And Block Party [Photos]

Waltham's 135th Anniversary Parade Preparation [Photos]

Waltham Rekindles Parade Tradition