Despite the dreary skies on Sunday, residents at the Bradford Ecumenical Home didn’t let the weather rain on their parade — Mother’s Day parade that is.

Becky Greenberg, activities director, said the parade went “unbelievably well” despite the weather.

“Our folks were good sports,” she said. “We left it up to them if they wanted to watch out the window or bundle up and sit out front. We’re lucky to have the porticos outside the front entrance. We had a very good turnout.”

Roughly 30 cars participated in the parade, including participants from the police and fire departments as well as Ecumenical Home staff.

“We had one that was really neat; it had a “you are my sunshine” theme. There were lots of rainbows. I think everyone was wishful thinking,” noted Greenberg. “There were some classic cars, too. One had a Hawaiian theme and gave their mom a lei when they went through.”

Several of the facility’s vans were decked out in Mother’s Day themes as well, including one playing rock music with a sign reading “Mom’s Rock,” as well as a sock hop theme.

This is the second year the facility has held a Mother’s Day parade, as many nursing homes had to be creative with keeping residents connected with the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When we can’t get out and join the community, we invite them to come out and join us,” said Greenberg.

Even though there is now a room setup for residents to visit with their loved ones, the facility plans to continue to hold parades like these in the future.

Greenberg showed great appreciation for all those who helped make the parade a success.

“The true reason we’re able to do such wonderful events is that all the staff pitches in to help out, from helping the residents get bundled up to even participating in the parade,” she said. “We also really appreciated that the local firemen and police came to join in on the parade.”