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IN THE LOOP
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By Ron Aaron Eisenberg
HUNDREDS OF ‘09ERS CELEBRATE THE 4TH
Hundreds of area residents of every age walked in two local community parades on July 4th, while hundreds more packed sidewalks and lawns along the parade routes. The Oak Park Neighborhood Association’s annual parade attracted large numbers of families to the gathering at the Northwood Presbyterian Church on Pike Road. OPNNA Board President Gina Eisenberg (my wife) welcomed residents to the parade. Eisenberg introduced elected officials: Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales, San Antonio District 10 Councilman Clayton Perry, Precinct 3 Constable Mark Vojvodich, State Representative District 121 Steve Allison, and Precinct 3 County Commissioner Marialyn Barnard. As in past years, Precinct 3 Deputies provided security and traffic control throughout the morning and along the parade route. Dr. Bart Wilson and his wife Nicole of Mission Orthodontics were presenting parade sponsors. Families enjoyed free hot dogs, tacos, KONA Ice, and ice cold water provided by Oak Park H-E-B. Councilman Perry gave the official step-off countdown, and Alamo Pipes and Drums played as parade walkers marched down Pike Road. Along the parade route, a Constable patrol car led the way, followed by Boy Scouts carrying the official parade banner. Andy Beckey, 77, a retired Army colonel, played the trombone 8 78209magazine.com
alongside his wife, Twila, 75, to celebrate neighborhood residents participating in Saturday morning’s parade. His musical serenade was a welcome treat for all who walked in the parade. In addition, a number of residents bordering the parade route put out bowls of water for the many dogs walking with their humans. Former OPNNA president Jonathon Delmer served as the “Official” parade photographer. If you’d like to get involved with the 2023 parade email: opnna09@gmail.com. The Alamo Heights 52nd Annual July 4th Parade stepped off at Estes & Patterson. The parade route ended at Cathedral Park. Festivities included singing, reading the Americans’ Creed, lemonade and cookies! Many parade walkers and watchers sported their best red, white and blue. Alamo Heights City Manager Buddy Kuhn estimated some 500-people marched in this year’s parade, and hundreds more watched as the parade passed their homes along the route. Broadway Daily Bread was a co-sponsor for the event. The parade served as a kick-off celebration for the City’s 2022 centennial celebration. Parade attendees were given free centennial T-shirts.
