Allan Appel Photo
(Right to left) Rosario, Maldonado, and Heinig.
Memorial Day might be officially over, but the flags were still flying with love and appreciation in the hands of Antonia Rosario, Carmen Maldonado, and Beatrice Heinig, as the seventh annual Fair Haven Community Parade drew 750 fans and participants on a picture-perfect Friday afternoon.
U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, waving with Chief Dean Esserman and Fair Haven Alder Santiago Berrios-Bones.
Those women and another hundred older folks from the various programs at the Mary Wade Home, the perennial host of the parade, got front row seats.
The parade started seven years ago as a way to bring a patriotic parade to those physically unable to get to one themselves. It has become an anticipated annual event to celebrate pride in the historic, diverse, and fun Fair Haven community.
Forming up at Chatham Square Park, the parade this year featured a dozen school and other groups and bands, ranging from the All National Christian Academy to the rousing James Hillhouse High School marching band to the kids of the St. Francis/St Rose of Lima School (pictured).
Another first for this year was the participation of staffers and programmers of the upcoming International Festival of Arts & Ideas.
As marshals corralled marchers and vehicles to take their spots in the festive caravan, Pablo Cruz and his pals at the Columbus Family Academy Pre‑K snapped to in their modified hay wagon. Their vehicle was sponsored by the International Festival of Arts & Ideas to promote the first of the festival’s neighborhood pop-up events, this Saturday in Fair Haven at the Columbus Family Academy, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Another expression of community pride included a big surprise for police Lt. Herb Johnson, pictured with Mary Wade staffer Tiffany Burnham as the eponymous founder in her Victorian style polyester dress.
Johnson was awarded the annual Mary Wade Outstanding Leadership Award, but he didn’t know it when Mary Wade, looking very fit for being a century and half, gave him a hug.
After the paraders high-stepped it across Pine Street, left on Atwater Street, across Grand Avenue, and then back up Clinton Avenue, they entered Mary Wade’s grassy backyard gardens for ceremonies and pizza.
Johnson was genuinely surprised and said he would have dressed better had he known. He currently heads the crime scene investigative unit at the department’s bureau of investigative services.
Award winner Johnson with Chiefs Casanova, Vazquez, Esserman, Mary Wade’s chief David Hunter, and Napaul Bacote.
Among his previous posts was as Fair Haven’s district manager for three and half years between 2010 and 2014.
There Johnson was active not only as a dedicated officer, but in the management team, neighborhood clean-ups, holidays, and a whole range of events. “He had a reputation as ‘chief of Fair Haven,’” according to the celebratory program notes.
In remarks about the award given to Lt. Johnson for his leadership to the community, Chief Dean Esserman said, “whether he leads a hockey team or commands this district, he leads with his heart, and it’s a beautiful heart.”
After Johnson received the award, a young fan of his, seven-year old Nepaul Bacote, added, “He’s cool.”
Click here and here for coverage of previous Fair Haven community parades.
I was so thrilled to be able to attend and march in this year's parade. I have wanted to go but have never been able to; from now on I'll be sure to take the day off well in advance. Congratulations to Sgt. Johnson, David Hunter, and all the staff and residents of Mary Wade! I walked with my 4-month-old who especially loved the Hillhouse band. It was a wonderful morning to see community in action on a beautiful May day. Here's to many more!