Hundreds of proud Bronx residents and elected officials were out on Saturday to celebrate their community at the first annual NYC Council 12th District Community Engagement Service Day Parade.
With scattered clouds, it didn’t rain on Saturday’s parade. The summer breeze and 80-degree weather made it ideal for parade marchers to walk from the intersection of Boston Road and East Gun Hill Road, westward to the Evander Childs High School field on Barnes Avenue, Williamsbridge.
“It was a wonderful day. We had a small sprinkle of rain after the parade was over, then the sun came out bright for everyone to also enjoy the festivities along Barnes Avenue with our mobile vans and community organizations as well as the concert and exhibitors on the football field,” said Council Member Andy King, who organized the parade, which featured more than 500 participants. Elected officials joining him were NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer and Council Members Andrew Cohen.
The parade included Ronald McDonald of McDonalds and marching bands. Several public schools and local organizations marched with banners, signs and flags waving during the parade.
Following the parade was a spiritual devotion service by local ministers, music performances, congratulation wished to 2016 Summer graduates of the High School for Contemporary Arts and a gospel concert featuring Grammy award-winning Gospel artist Pastor Donnie McClurkin.
The free Community Engagement Service Day Concert, which was attended by more than 2,000 people, was sponsored by the High School of Contemporary Arts, NYC Council Member Andy King and Fun in the Son as a part of Council Member King’s third annual Community Engagement Service Day.
