The Homestead, a Heritage senior living community in Gerry, NY, is providing holiday magic this month for those who call Heritage their home. As a special event for their residents, they will be hosting the “Bring the Joy” car parade at 6:30pm on Friday, December 18, 2020.
Lisa Haglund, Heritage President and CEO, shared, “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to force many time-honored traditions and heart-warming gatherings to change. That won’t stop us from enjoying seasonal traditions, meaningful moments, and special memories, and even creating some new ones. We are so blessed to present the “Bring the Joy” parade for our residents and area seniors.”
Larry Petry, Heritage Senior Chaplain, agreed, adding, “As we progress further into the COVID-19 pandemic, we are very aware of the blessings that these acts of encouragement bring to both our residents and staff. We felt strongly supported with a Community Encouragement Parade earlier this year, and felt the Christmas season would provide a wonderful backdrop for further connection and encouragement. We appreciate the outpouring of community support—we have received so much!”
All community members are encouraged to come alongside Heritage, decorate their own vehicles in the spirit of Christmas, and join in the merriment. “We encourage friends, families, and community members to visit our campus, celebrate the season, and say a friendly “hello” to our residents with our holiday car parade! Lights, Christmas music, jingle bells, and other festive demonstrations are welcome,” said Petry.
“We know this year has been a difficult one for our residents and their families,” Haglund added. “Our Heritage communities, are determined to make the holiday season of 2020 unlike any other, and our teams are working tirelessly, and with exceptional innovation, to “Bring the Joy” this year for our most vulnerable population, our seniors.”
In order to abide by all social distancing and safety guidelines, the parade will not be open for public spectators to gather together outside, but is intended for seniors to view from their windows or porches as it drives by. For those interested in participating, lineup will begin at 6pm in the parking lot of Homestead Stables on Damon Hill Road in Gerry (enter via The Homestead Route 60 entrance). An organizing member of the event will direct all participants to their location in the parade. The parade route will travel along The Homestead Campus, following Coachlight Drive, and out to the main Route 60 entrance.
For safety, all participants must remain in their enclosed vehicle, and not gather outside of vehicles. Those who would like to participate, or have questions regarding participating in the parade, please contact Chaplain Larry Petry or Carrie Johnstone by emailing LPetry@heritage1886.org or CJohnstone@heritage1886.org, or by calling (716) 490-5480. For all media inquiries, please contact Melissa Anderson, Heritage Marketing Manager, by emailing MAnderson@heritage1886.org.