Pride, Optimism, and Coloring Contest Winners

July 31, 2020January 28, 2021 William Taylor 0 Comments 2020 Park Cities Fourth of July, Community, Fourth of July Coloring Book, Park Cities, Park Cities Fourth of July Parade, preston hollow, Special Sections

Even in this summer heat, my thoughts keep returning to a beloved Christmas tale.

After all, those of us who live, work, and/or otherwise love the Park Cities recently endured our Whoville moment.

The oh so Grinch-like COVID-19 pandemic stole away the beloved Fourth of July Parade, leaving behind no candy tossed from red, white, and blue floats, no bicycle decorating contest, and no picnic full of freebies in Goar Park.

With apologies to author Theodor Geisel, no puzzler is needed to explain what happened next.

With leadership from the Rotary Club of Park Cities, residents proved, as Dr. Seuss might say, that, “Maybe (Independence Day), perhaps… means a little bit more!”

This section celebrates the community spirit and patriotism demonstrated by all who showed off their Stars, Stripes, and Service by participating and supporting a modified 2020 Fourth of July Celebration.

Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to those who voted online to choose the newspaper’s People’s Pick. It looks like you and Rotary’s volunteer judges agreed.

Annually, the Rotary Club uses the parade to bring in donations for the North Texas Food Bank, and this year’s paradeless celebration helped the cause, too.

“We raised $32,150 on behalf of the North Texas Food Bank, and when combined with the matching partners of NTFB, a grand total of 283,650 meals were provided for those in need,” parade committee chair Sarah Oliai announced.

If you missed the 2020 July Fourth of July Broadcast, you should check it out at parkcitiesrotary.org or on the Park Cities Rotary YouTube channel. It showcases Girl Scouts, music, youth, and timely thoughts from elected leaders.

Finally, the sacrificing we make “to rid ourselves of an oppressive foe, in this case, a devastating virus,” shouldn’t diminish community pride and optimism, Rotary Club president Barbara Jeffries said recently. “I am hopeful we will be celebrating Independence Day together next year and every year after.”

I am, too.

Jump into out 2020 Fourth of July Special Section:

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