Seward block clubs take to the streets

—by Tom Organizer

Several block clubs participated in the third annual Block Club Kick Off Parade through Seward on Saturday, June 3. Led by a police cruiser and trailed by a fire engine, the parade marched north on 32nd Avenue and into the Triangle Park at 25th Street and Franklin Avenue. Although most of the participants walked a member of one block club rode a dragon made from recycled computer Styrofoam packaging. Josie Winship was also present to show off her shredded paper outfit. Jennifer Waisanen Seward’s Community Crime Prevention/SAFE crime specialist joined the parade with her vehicle in front of the engine. Neighbors came out of their houses to view the parade and those attending the Celebrate Seward on Franklin event gave a hearty welcome to the marchers as they arrived at the park.

Several new participants helped to spice up the event. The Bag Pipers, a local group of marching bag pipers, did a great job of announcing the parade's presence with a flair not experienced in previous parades. Kids of the Seward/Matthews Teen Council, Dahn Paulnau, Mary Laurel True, and friends propelled two dragons, created by Bare Bones Productions. After the parade, RichThomasgard and Dave Chapman of the Seward Civic and Commerce Association and Denise Mayotte of Seward Arts and Culture Network brought the dragons to life one more time, so they could “bless” the businesses on Franklin Avenue.

Participation in the parade (approximately 75) was greater than last year, according to some, and that was surprising considering the fact that several other events competed for volunteers.
Thanks to all who participated in the parade. Special thanks goes to: Seward Block Club Leaders, CCP/SAFE Minneapolis Police Department, Seward Neighborhood Group Seward Civic and Commerce Association, Minneapolis Fire Department, The Bag Pipers, Seward/ Matthews Teen Council, and Seward Arts and Culture Network.

—Reprinted from The Seward Profile

BACK to the biography page