WESTFORD — The Apple Blossom Parade has become a beloved piece of Westford culture. Now, two years without a parade due to COVID-19, residents flocked to the town center to celebrate once more.
Local businesses and groups have been marching in the parade since it began in 1935. Marissa Rosario attended the parade to watch her daughter, who created the organization Flowers to Empower. Rosario was excited to spend the day supporting her daughter.
“This is a perfect day. We’ve been coming to see the parade since I was a kid, it’s a family tradition,” said Rosario.
Caroline Peters is another crowd member who had come to support a family member in the May 14 parade. Her brother, Chester Cook, was chosen as the 2022 Kiwanis “Person of the Year”.
“I’m so excited, it’s well-deserved. He loves people so much and he would do anything for anybody. He’s always been that way,” Peters said.
Many other families came to enjoy the day with their children and relatives. Originally from Texas, Westford resident Katherine Suduiko has found the parade to be a great event for her children.
“The kids lit up when they were first here, seeing the fire trucks and all the noise. It was fun to see them excited,” said Suduiko.
Suduiko even invited her father Michael Copenhaver to see the parade with her children. Having never attended the parade before, he was excited to spend the day with his family.
“It seems like a good homey family atmosphere. I’m glad I came,” said Copenhaver.
View a photo gallery of the event here. Live recordings of the Apple Blossom Parade and ceremonies are both available on the Westford CAT’s YouTube channel.
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