birthday parade :: surprise CHP guests :: tips and hindsight considerations

I’m not typically one to do something because everyone else is, but I have to say I’m so glad we tried the birthday parade. My youngest turned 7 on Sunday and we surprised him by inviting our friends and family to a parade.

My mom made the comment, “Wow, I have never had a parade for my birthday.” There are bright sides to sheltering in place and keeping a safe distance. I have to admit, I didn’t mind hosting a birthday party for 65 people that lasted under 10 minutes and I didn’t have to clean my house. 

A couple of tips to consider:

• Buy or make a treat, but package them safely on plates for each family you know might be coming.
• Make extra treat bags for parade crashers. (Just kidding, but not everyone RSVP’s).
• Make party favor bags for the children (Target had some great finds for our bags).
• Buy your own helium tank to fill your balloons. (Or grocery stores should be filling them too) I got our tank for $25 at Walmart, but I think maybe they are in more demand now…prices have gone up.
• Tie a balloon to each car.
• Try to have the parade loop back –  wave the first pass – take a photo and pass out treats the second pass.

What I would do better in hindsight:

• Make sure your kid knows what a birthday parade is. Charlie was trying to figure out what was happening.
• Ask someone to photograph and take videos so you can be present. (I wish I did this, instead I’m in pictures taking pictures.)
• Take pictures of the birthday recipient. I got the most footage of the back of Charlie’s head as he waved.
• Forget the balloons if it’s windy, they get tangled.
• Have the parade drive by as slowly as possible, it’s such a quick event with so much to take in at once. Encourage people to pause and talk.

We had a surprise in the middle of our parade that I didn’t know about. Two CHP (California Highway Patrol) cars joined the parade. What a wonderful addition.
We have a friend who arranged it for Charlie and she sat in the front seat of one of the cars and sang happy birthday on the megaphone. She’s pictured above with Charlie.

I hate hearing myself in the video, but I kept giggling too loudly with glee. The very kind officers parked and got pictures with Charlie. Remember those extra treats I said to make? We had a little something to give them.

I’ve seen some really heart-warming stories about parades. Our friends were on our local news last week and I’m sharing so you can be familiar with Abby’s story and pray. They very kindly came to Charlie’s parade and made him feel special. They knew first hand how good it makes one feel.

It’s a blessing to be the giver and the recipient of kindness.

Charlie’s friends with Abby’s youngest brother and he was so enthusiastic about being in the parade (pictured below). Lots of sweet memories were made. I highly suggest throwing a birthday parade!

Thanks again to the CHP for making Charlie’s birthday extra memorable. We are so thankful for these officers maker our community safer and putting smiles on our faces by joining our parade.