It’s been some time since Centralia had its normal downtown parade. Covid-19 certainly disrupted our annual parade schedule. With news that our yearly tradition was returning, Centralia ARES ramped up to do our part. Centralia’s parade route is fourteen blocks long configured in somewhat of a circle so floats basically start and end at the same point. A much smaller event than in the past, 37 parade entries participated this year which included celebrities such as Miss Lewis County, service agencies including the Red Cross, those running for election and a variety of tractors, old cars and some great WWII military vehicles. Cool temperatures and some light rain in the morning meant light crowds for the 4pm parade start but plenty of folks still lined the route.
Centralia’s Amateur Radio Emergency Service team has helped with this parade as well as the Lighted Tractor Parade, held in December, for many years. One of our two communication vans is always placed at the start point of the parade along with Riverside Fire and Centralia Police vehicles while the second van is located at the parade’s half-way point. This ensures solid simplex communications throughout the parade. Other ARES team members are stationed along the parade route at each intersection. We assign three team members to the first 90 degree turn in the parade where larger floats and trucks always seem to have difficulty with the sharp turn and the crowds. Together with Riverside Fire on stand-by and Centralia PD bike officers and foot patrols our volunteers are able to keep everyone safe and happy.
Another July 4th downtown parade is headed home and we are one tired group of volunteers. Thanks to all our team members for their hard work on this holiday. You did a great job!
