by Dan Farnkoff

Some days seem to come straight from Heaven. Sunday, October 5, was one of those days, at least in this neck of the woods. The people of Roslindale were graced with splendid sixty-degree weather and blue skies for the 28th annual Roslindale Parade. This year's parade proved to be one of the more pleasant local celebrations in recent memory.

Despite the fact that two major spotting events competed for the attention of Roslindale residents, a large number of spectators still made it outside to watch the vibrant procession. Onlookers were greeted by a plethora of colorful floats, marching bands, hand-pumping politicians, and a variety of other participants who moved gradually up Belgrade Avenue from Roslindale Village to the West Roxbury Rotary and then down South Street to Fallon Field.

This was a day that could have gone either way on so many fronts. The Red Sox faced elimination in the American League playoff series against the Oakland As and the injury-ridden Patriots were facing a challenge of their own in preparing to meet the Tennessee Titans in the fifth game of their regular sea-son. Worst of all, rain was in the forecast and threatened to drench the Roslindale marchers and spectators.

Needless to say, the rain never came, both the Red Sox and the Patriots ended up winners (at least on that day), and the Parade was a great success. The sun beamed down benevolently on marchers and watchers alike, sending its warmth from a blue sky decorated with innocuous and comely cumulus clouds. A gentle breeze tickled the parade banners and provided the perfect complement to the sunshine.

Small children beamed as they were entertained by familiar characters like Elmo and the Incredible Hulk. Rousing music filled the crisp autumn air and was provided by seasoned marchers like St. Kevin's Emerald Knights Drum and Bugle Corps and the Worcester Brass Band. Professional dancers from the troupe "Estrellas Tropicales" swayed and spun for the applauding crowd.

As they made their way up Belgrade Avenue, the legendary Sacred Heart Color Guard twirled flags and batons.

Leading off the parade were members of the Boston Fire and Police departments, complete with horses, fire trucks and motorcycles. Soon after the procession of public-safety vehicles, the Boston Police Gaelic Column arrived, providing the stirring bagpipe music that is a necessity for any good parade. Right behind them came a float bearing the parade's "Grand Marshall," Doug McClure, followed by the much-anticipated appearance of singing state trooper Dan Clark who wooed the Roslindale crowd with a variety of patriotic standards. Less than a week later, Clark would go on to sing the National Anthem at one of the Red Sox / Yankee play-off games. This vehicle was followed by one bearing this year's "Mayor of Roslindale," Richard Laham.

By far, the highlight of the "Headquarters Division," however, had to be the performance from Sacred Heart's own renowned Color Guard, which has never ceased to bring honor and esteem to our community. They had earned their spot in this division and they epitomized the ever-vibrant spirit of Roslindale in their seamless and enthusiastic display of color, motion and unity. The Color Guard was accompanied by students and teachers from Sacred Heart School, likewise a source of strength and pride for our neighborhood.

Although this was a tough act to follow, other groups in the "first," "second," and "third" divisions certainly held their own. Kicking off the "First Division" was the eagle-shaped Parade Committee float, a stately symbol of American independence and virtue, as well as a self-congratulatory message by and for the Parade's organizers.

The Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard followed, punctuated by a performance from the 215th Regiment Army Band. Next came ROTC marchers from Charlestown High.

The Boston City Band provided the sound-track for its own sponsor, City Council President Michael Flaherty. Like a half-dozen or so other politicians, he was marching to drum up support for his ongoing reelection bid. They were followed by the American Gold Star Mothers, the Disabled American Veterans, and representatives of various other Veteran's organizations, including the American Legion and the VFW.

Roslindale's schools and civic organizations were well-represented in the second division, which began with a float dedicated to the Challenger League, a community group for children with disabilities. Representatives from the Orhrenberger, the Phineas Bates School, the local Elks chapter, and the Healthy Roslindale Coalition marched up Belgrade to the steady beat provided by Chelmsford High's, St. Kevin's, and Plymouth High School's bands.

A tap-dancing troupe of all ages from Tanya's Dance and Fitness Center demonstrated their talent, and were joined by dancers from the Heavey-Quinn Irish Dance Academy. The Little German Band concluded the "Second Division" with their familiar and upbeat tunes.

The "Third Division" also had much to offer spectators as well, with a host of local businesses fielding marchers and floats. Children, youth and instructors in Far Eastern warrior garb were out in force from the One Step Beyond, Twin Mixed, and Calvin Chin martial arts centers. Touting their newest theatrical production, costumed thespians from Riverside Theater Works rode by in a convertible.

Emack and Bolio's Ice Cream Shop was represented by a large chocolate moose riding atop an ice-cream truck, and Hyde Park Savings Bank provided a giant phone that made its way along the route. Performers from the Dance Academy and Estrellas Tropicales delighted the crowed with their synchronized routines, while the New Liberty Jazz Band and the Italian American Band kept the music soaring throughout the final stages of the Parade.

Alex Geourntas and Lee Blasi served as the Parade announcers, greeting each unit as it approached the reviewing stand on South Street, acknowledging the many sponsors, and keeping up a running commentary on the procession. The Parade concluded at Fallon Field, where participants and spectators alike could congregate and continue the festivities.

Judging by the onlookers' enthusiasm and the smiling faces of the spectators and participants alike, this year's Roslindale Parade was a big success. "I think is went extremely well," said Kelly McDonald who had volunteered to help with the Parade for the first time this year. "It was a little overwhelming at the beginning, trying to line everyone up, but after that, it was smooth sailing. I was really glad to be able to experience the Parade from behind the scenes this year.

Kelly, for one, thought- that the Parade compared favorably with others that she remembered. "It seemed like there were more bands than ever before, and there was more for the kids to enjoy, as well. And, of course, the weather couldn't have been better. I think everyone had a lot of fun this year." We can only hope that next year's will be even better.