Sainted: A BIG Sainted and congratulations to all the dedicated volunteers and Uniformed Group representatives from the St. Paul Winter Carnival who helped make today’s Grande Day parade a reality!
Because of budget cuts just a few months ago, this parade wasn’t going to happen. But after a rally by some of the old-legend characters and some generous contributions by individuals and local businesses, the parade is back and bigger than ever.
A special thanks goes to parade director John Moore and his volunteers for their efforts to bring it all together. This was my first year of involvement with the actual planning of the parades (Grande Day and Torchlight) and I had no idea of the communications, logistics and coordination efforts it takes to put on a parade of this size.
Today’s parade will feature more than 120 units, including a special unit called the “Blue Star Moms” – featuring moms of service personnel serving in Iraq.
So, I encourage everyone reading this to head on down to our Saintly City and enjoy this rich carnival tradition, and if you see one of the few hundred parade volunteers or maybe one of the Blue Star moms, tell ’em “Thanks!”
TOM BARRETT
Little Canada
Copyright 2007 Pioneer Press.
