Lakewood on Parade dazzles folks from across the area
Families watch kids romp at in the kids' corner.
By Ryan Parker
LAKEWOOD – It’s important to arrive early to get a good spot for the big show.
Lakewood resident Jon McFarland said he and his family got to Lakewood on Parade a little too late last year.
“It was just a sea of people on blankets with no room left. We got here at 11(a.m.) this year so we could set up our stuff and stake our claim,” McFarland joked.
Budding young artist enjoys a crafts booth.
The 33rd annual event on Saturday at Jeffco Sports Stadium featured live music, vendors from Lakewood businesses, food and an evening fireworks display.
McFarland, his wife and two children were planning on spending all day at the event, and everyone was eagerly awaiting this year’s fireworks.
“The kids’ eyes get pretty big when the show starts,” McFarland said.
With the smell of propane gas wafting from food vendors’ kiosks and the sun shining brightly, the crowd mulled around the stadium as officials from St. Anthony’s Central Hospital gave free sunscreen to passersby.
“We offer it every year and people definitely take us up on it,” said Bev Lilly, spokeswoman for St. Anthony’s.
Along with the sunscreen, Lilly said she was there to make residents aware the emergency room of the new hospital campus west of the Federal Center is open.
“People in Lakewood now have a close place to go if there is an emergency,” she said.
The hospital is the first in Lakewood’s history as a city.
Last year Lakewood on Parade celebrated the 40th anniversary of Lakewood, Colorado’s fourth largest city, becoming incorporated.
Grabbing a lucky duck always yields a prize.
About 7,000 people attended the 2009 event, the first with fireworks, officials said.
“We don’t live here, but checked it out last year and had a blast,” said Kate Nelson of Wheat Ridge.
Although she and her family enjoy the Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival, Nelson said they couldn’t pass up the Lakewood summer celebration.
“Hey, fireworks and funnel cakes; you can’t go wrong,” she said.
In between sets of live music, 60’s rock-and–roll was pumped through the speakers, and parents danced with their children to “Green Onions” and “Bad Moon Rising.”
“I grew up on this music so to dance with my son now is too much fun,” said Bobbie Carlson of Lakewood.
Most were having fun at the event, but some were unhappy about the parking.
“Last year we parked alongside Kipling by the Federal Center property, but this year they have signs everywhere saying you can’t park there,” said Evan Thompson of Denver.
However, he said, it could be dangerous crossing Kipling in mid-block and, although he had to park at the Jeffco Health site, he understood the reason for the change.
City officials said residents can mark their calendar and show up earfly enough for a good seat next year, when Lakewood on Parade the event returns for a 34th year.
