Posted By: Amanda

I know I’m not the only one thinking it… what are we really doing with the East Arcadia MayDay Parade at this point?

Don’t get me wrong, I understand tradition. I understand wanting to keep something going because it’s “what we’ve always done.” But let’s be honest for a second. This community is small… really small. And every year, it feels like the parade is getting more and more disconnected from what it’s supposed to be.

Who is actually watching the parade? If you really think about it, most of the people out there are the same ones in the parade. It’s not like there are crowds lined up down the street. It’s not bringing in visitors. It’s not drawing attention from outside areas. It’s basically just us… watching us.

And then there’s the parade itself. What is it now? Mostly people riding around on four-wheelers, go-karts, maybe a few decorated cars, and that’s about it. There’s no real structure, no real theme, nothing that makes you say “wow, this is something special.” It feels more like a casual ride-through than an actual community event. At some point, we’ve got to ask: are we doing this out of purpose… or just out of habit? Because if it’s just habit, then maybe it’s time to rethink things.

I’m not saying cancel everything. I’m saying improve it or change it. If we’re going to call it a parade, then let’s actually make it something worth showing up for. Add real floats. Get local businesses involved. Bring in music, performances, food vendors — something that makes people want to come out and participate, not just ride around because there’s nothing else going on.

Or maybe we switch it up completely. Instead of forcing a parade that no one is really watching, why not turn it into a real community event? A festival, a cookout, a family day, something where people can actually connect, enjoy themselves, and feel like it’s worth their time. Right now, it just feels like we’re going through the motions.

And I think that’s the part that bothers me the most. There’s potential here. Even a small community can do something meaningful and fun if there’s effort behind it. But what we have right now doesn’t reflect that effort. It feels rushed, unorganized, and honestly… kind of pointless. I’m not trying to disrespect anybody who helps put it together. I know people are trying. But trying isn’t the same as actually creating something that works.

If we’re going to keep doing the East Arcadia MayDay Parade, then let’s give it a real purpose again. Let’s make it something kids get excited about, something families plan their day around, something people outside the community might even want to come see. Because right now? It just feels like we’re riding in circles… and calling it a parade.