by Dan Farnkoff

A couple of years back, I began an article about the 2004 Roslindale Day Parade by observing: "Some days seem to come straight from heaven." The fact is, of course, that all days come from heaven in the sense that they are all as God wants them to be. Thus, we should be grateful for the rain, sleet, and snow, as well as for the ostensibly more benign sunshine and blue skies.

The weather for the 31st annual Roslindale Day Parade was somewhat less than optimal. In fact, it was very similar to the weather this Thanksgiving Day, which serves to further illustrate the idea that God might be trying to teach us something special about gratitude this year. Despite the torrential downpours and unseasonably cold temperatures on Parade Sunday, October 1, thousands of people lined Belgrade Ave. and South Street to participate in Roslindale's annual celebration of community pride and civic enthusiasm.

The courage and fortitude of the marching bands, community organizations, assorted volunteers, and neighborhood groups was quite admirable in the midst of what turned out to be a veritable deluge. Most of the scheduled participants showed up with smiles on their faces and maintained a positive attitude as they made their way along the thoroughly drenched parade route.

Parade highlights included perennial favorites Estrellas Tropicales, Dance Academy, and Tanya's Dance and Fitness Center, as well as new additions, such as a specially designed Century 21 Treon Realty float.

Judie Leon, prominent community member and proprietor of the longstanding Roslindale Village business Travel by Judie, was this year's "Mayor of Roslindale." Judie made neighborhood history by becoming the first female "Mayor of Roslindale" since the parade's genesis in 1976. The honorary position goes to whoever is able to raise the most money for the annual event, which is financed primarily through donations from local businesses and the fundraising efforts of the parade committee.

Bill Hubbard, founder of the Jason Roberts Challenger League, was this year's Grand Marshal. The Jason Roberts Challenger League is a non-profit athletic program that helps youngsters who are faced with unique life challenges, to experience the camaraderie and exhilaration of playing Little League baseball. Every year the Challenger League has its own float in the parade, and the evident enthusiasm of the boys and girls who participate in the program is testament to the efforts of Bill Hubbard and many other volunteers who have helped to nurture the organization. Hubbard named the league in honor of his nephew, Jason Roberts, whose life was cut short by a drunk driver in 1996.

When interviewed at the parade stand by parade committee member Matt O'Malley, Bill downplayed his status as grand marshal and emphasized that the kids in the program are the real stars of the day. He also praised the efforts of parade committee chairman Tom Donahue, saying, "In my opinion, Tom should be permanent grand marshal, for all the work he does."

Also withstanding the elements, apparently unafraid to get their suits and ties wet for the sake of Roslindale's big day, were a number of local politicians and political hopefuls. Among them were Rob Consalvo, Maura Hennigan, Michael Flaherty, Tom Menino, Doug Obey, Jeffrey Sanchez, Kelly Timilty, and Marian Walsh. Lieutenant governor-elect Tim Murray was on hand as well, walking with Steve Murphy and a host of his supporters.

Happily, the rains did little to discourage the parade's most important audience, young children, from coming outdoors with their families to celebrate our diverse and dynamic community. The under-ten demographic was well represented, and as usual, excitedly cheered on each float, band, and marching unit in the procession. Although we hope for better weather next year, the 2006 Roslindale Parade proved that it will take more than a little inclement weather to dampen the communal spirit of our neighborhoods. The overarching sense of inclusiveness, caring, and unity is truly something to be thankful for, rain or shine.