The Liberty Township Fire Department, Powell Police Department, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and Olentangy Local School District are hosting a Porch Parade from 6 to 8 PM on Friday, May 1; noon to 2 PM on Saturday, May 2; and 3 to 5 PM on Sunday, May 3. The parade will feature a fire truck, ambulance, school bus and police cruisers.
Residents are encouraged to wave American flags inside or outside of their homes, decorate their sidewalks or driveways with chalk and to practice good social distancing.
“It has been a challenging time for our country,” said Liberty Township Fire Chief Tom O’Brien. “We have been in this fight against COVID-19 together for weeks. We felt this parade would be a great time for the community to support and honor those on the front lines of this virus – those that have been working every day to keep our community healthy and safe.”
“Olentangy Schools is proud of our partnership with all seven of the townships we serve,” said Superintendent Mark Raiff. “We are pleased to join the Liberty Township Fire Department, Powell Police Department and Delaware County Sheriff’s Office in their porch parade. Our teachers, staff and students miss each other greatly. We hope to bring joy and smiles to students and parents faces alike by participating in this positive event.”
The parade will take place over the course of three days in Liberty Township and the City of Powell. The trucks and cruisers will drive down primary streets within the subdivisions.
- Friday, May 1 – Neighborhoods south of Powell Road
- Saturday, May 2 – Neighborhoods between Powell Road and Home Road
- Sunday, May 3 – Neighborhoods north of Home Road
“Amid this international pandemic, there are many local heroes,” said Delaware County Sheriff Russell Martin. “Many of these heroes often go unnoticed, such as the everyday citizens who practice social distancing, the church volunteers and scout troops who are making cloth face masks, the families who juggle working at home with schooling their children, and so many more. The brightly flashing lights of this parade is one way we can salute all local heroes whom we are proud to serve.”
“We look forward to joining the Liberty Township Fire Department, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and Olentangy Local School District,” said Powell Police Chief Stephen Hrytzik. “Our community has been supportive along the way. Families have been doing their part by staying at home, and our goal is that this event spurs encouragement and hope.”