It was going to be just a low key birthday celebration for Bradford resident, Stan Weisbaker who turned 69 on Saturday. He planned to celebrate at home with family and friends with a quiet dinner in. But thanks to COVID-19, those plans were kiboshed, leaving Weisbaker feeling a bit down.
"I was just going to sit down, work on a couple projects and watch a movie," he said.
But his son, Sheldon, had other plans.
He and neighbour Katelyn Kalbfleisch, decided it would be fun to celebrate the birthday with a parade, like they had seen going viral on social media over the past couple weeks.
About 20 cars lined up, decked out in balloons and birthday messages, at Fred C. Cook Public School on Fletcher Street at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
The vehicles rode down the street in front of Weisbaker's to wave, honk their horns and send him well wishes from their car windows.
Kalbfleisch organized her own Facebook group 'Celebration Parade' for residents of Bradford celebrating birthdays during the pandemic. The idea was to brighten people's spirits while still keeping six feet a part.
But Weisbaker may have been the last planned parade for the time being as Premier Doug Ford banned gatherings of five or more people last night in an effort to help flatten the curve of COVID-19.
Kalblfleisch posted a note in the group announcing any other planned parades for the time being have been cancelled.
"I'm a bit upset about it. But what can we really do? Trying to keep everyone safe is the main goal," she said.
She said she is happy to see how Bradford residents were able to come together, yet stay a part, for the few parades they were able to do.
"It was fun while it lasted," read the Facebook group's message.
The group remains open online, and if time permits, hope to organize more parades once "this is all over."
