Nickel City Frets is organizing a Parade in Reverse for COVID-19

Akron/Newstead loves to come together for a parade.  The streets are lined for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Homecoming, and many travel down the road to Clarence Center for the Labor Day parade.

Mark Buell of Nickel City Frets has an idea for how to have a parade while we are all “staying home” during the COVID-19 pandemic.   His idea is for a “reverse parade” with the “floats” displayed on front lawns and porches and the parade observers driving through the community looking at the creativeness of their neighbors.  Music, lights, waving families, float like displays depicting what we can do while we can’t go to school or work, how we can come together as community while separated, or any creative, family friendly topic suggested.

Akron Village Board members conditionally approved the concept and authorized APD assistance in intersection and speed control, if needed, during their ZOOM Village Board meeting Monday night.  Final approval will come when the date, route, and particulars are finalized.

The parade route for this first ever “reverse parade” in Akron, New York, will be determined by concentration of those interested in participating in the Village and a map of participating homes will be available at the start of the parade.

During the parade, the speed limit along the route would be 5 miles per hour.

Restaurants and businesses along the route are encouraged to have signs or displays letting everyone know what they are offering to help get us through COVID-19.  Restaurants and businesses not along the route may want to partner with someone on Main Street or along the parade route to have a display.   Those driving by may want to call in an order for dinner following the parade.

Those interested in building a “float” in front of their home in the Village of Akron or hosting some musicians to play on their porch, should send an email to pianothumb@gmail.com so they can be included on the map and the route adjusted as necessary.  Deadline for expressing interest is April 13.  The Parade will be scheduled before the end of April, no sooner than April 18.

Safe social distancing would be the word of the day.  Displays should be at least 10 feet back from the sidewalk.   If residents decide to walk the route, they need to stay 6 to 8 feet apart, and masks are suggested.  Those driving the route should only have people in the car with whom they have been “staying at home.” No car pooling.  Musicians should play with social distancing spacing between them.

This is not about people congregating outside of their homes, but about fun projects for those “staying home,” to create something fun for others to do while allowing them to remain isolated as they experience community together.

The Akron Bugle is working on creating a virtual tour of the parade route for those who cannot, or feel uncomfortable about, going for a ride.

There will be some surprises along the way, maybe a Corona 19 dunk tank (no humans in the water!) and prizes awarded by the Akron Bugle.

In process is a way everyone can record their participation in the “reverse parade,” possibly all those following the route bringing a sign of encouragement to place in a designated place along the route, following safe distancing guidelines.  More on that as plans develop.

 “It’s simple, basic,” Buell said.  “Probably more complicated than I foresee but still a very doable project; a positive and safe social gathering; and something to take our minds of our troubles and woes for a few weeks.