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Earth Day was the official reason for neighbors in the Moreau Drive Historic District to throw a parade, but it was also just a way to bring neighbors together - albeit from a distance.
"It was a nice day for a parade, and it was a nice break in the isolation," said John Schulte, as he sat with family members in his front lawn on Moreau Drive.
"We're all in this together," Jennifer Schulte added.
Mary Ann Hall, who lives on Moreau Drive with her husband, Stu Murphy, organized the Sunday event, which featured about 18 vehicles. Stu Murphy led the parade, which also included state Rep. Dave Griffith, R-Jefferson City. The route went not only along Moreau Drive, but also the smaller side streets in the historic district.
The event wasn't widely publicized, but neighbors in the district were notified.
Neighbors young and old brought out lawn chairs, baby strollers, beverages and one house inflated a miniature bounce house in the front yard. At another house, a pair of stone lions at the entrance were donning protective masks. One young girl came in a tiger costume. One family held up a sign touting Earth Day, officially on Wednesday. One man wore a clear plastic bag around his body to add a little humor during tough times.
The Murphys created a float with penguins, trees, tropical animals, butterflies and a rainbow.
The parade itself lasted just 5-10 minutes before doubling back around for a second view. However, moods were joyous under sunny skies and temperatures that topped 70 degrees.
"I thought it was really fun and I really appreciate them putting it together," said Morgan DeLong Costello, who brought daughters Emerson, 4, and Dylan, 2.
Hall said the purpose of the parade is to re-enforce a sense of community in the neighborhood, and she hopes it leads to neighbors knowing more of their neighbors, some who are new to the area. She also hopes it will lead to people checking on their neighbors during the pandemic to make sure they're OK.
The parade could become an annual event, she said.