If the term “perfect parade weather” exists, it would be fit to describe the bright sun and generous breeze felt Sunday afternoon as black St. Louis came together once again for the Annie Malone Children and Family Services Center’s annual May Day Parade.
A tradition for more than 100 years – nearly 95 of them consecutively – ministries, schools, businesses, bands radio stations, television stations sororities, fraternities and more from the city and county took to the streets and carried on for a show that stretched more than 10 city blocks.
Starting at 20th and Market, presentations by parade participants varied as much as the organizations represented in the parade. KMOV-TV opted for a convertible that featured news anchor Sharon Reed and her adorable daughter waving to the crowd. Meanwhile William C. Harris Funeral Home showcased a procession of nearly 25 Cadillacs and limousines that seemed to stretch the entire parade route.
Some, like the City of Berkeley opted for traditional floats. Schnucks featured a semi-truck and Coca Cola carted out goodies to onlookers from grocery baskets.
Others got new age.
Tammie Holland of Majic 100.3 FM scurried around the parade on a Segue (the two-wheeled single passenger motorized standing scooter) while stopping to pose for selfies and interact with the crowd.
As she rubbed shoulders with fans, Holland showcased the thing that sets the May Day experience apart from the average parade. Connection and fellowship seem to come standard between marchers and onlookers.
This year’s crowd was on the light side, but the overall spirit – be it from the participants and the observers/cheerleaders from the sidelines – was as big as ever.
Never was this more apparent than when the Normandy Senior High Vikings Marching Band was waved forward.
They had the full support of the crowd when students of the embattled district kicked off the opening for their take on Pharrell’s smash hit “Happy.”
The response was overwhelming. Cheers, “soul claps” and even a sing along ensued that captured the essence of May Day 2014 – and illustrated the significance of the experience that has resonated for generations within the African American community.
