Parade brings much good to Cedar Rapids

Today, tens of thousands of families, friends and neighbors will line the streets in downtown Cedar Rapids to participate in the 40th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and celebration.

When the parade kicks off at 1 p.m., our downtown streets will be filled with floats, dancing, music and laughter as our community comes together for this much-anticipated annual event.

Bursting with energy, the downtown will come alive. Children's faces will light up as they gather parade goodies. Dancing leprechauns will joyfully weave their way through a sea of green.

We hope to see you there.

It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to put together today's merriment. So take a moment to tip your hat to the fine folks of SaPaDaPaSo - the St. Patrick's Day Parade Society - who work all year long on this annual gift to our community. And what a gift it is.

After 40 years, the St. Patrick's Day celebration has become one of the city's most anticipated events. As we've noted in these pages, community celebrations such as today's are more than fun diversions. They actually make our community stronger.

Celebrations such as today's help us remember what makes our community unique and valuable. They strengthen our social bonds. They give a boost to community pride and add to the positive experiences and attitudes that are key to making a place great.

The excitement in the air today - that sense of optimism and togetherness - will linger, coloring the days and weeks ahead.

So, don your green, your shamrocks and your smiles and march downtown to take part in this organized chaos. And while you're here, take a moment to look at your neighbors and your community with fresh eyes.

Take time to revisit favorite downtown spaces and time to explore what's new.

Greet old friends and share friendly words with people you don't yet know.

Think a bit about all the good that comes from coming together in celebration.

As the blessing goes:

May you live a long life

Full of gladness and health,

With a pocket full of gold

As the least of you wealth.

May the dreams you hold dearest,

Be those which come true,

The kindness you spread,

Keep returning to you.

' Gazette editorials reflect the consensus opinion of The Gazette Editorial Board. Share your comments and ideas with us: (319) 398-8469; editorial@thegazette.com