Community means everything in St. Joseph.
That is evident in the way ideas are received and executed, even on short notice.
When Village residents Audrey Short and Tessa Smith attended the Sidney Christmas Parade, they immediately thought that organizing one in St. Joseph on Dec. 19 would be a good way to spread Christmas cheer.
The parade, though, comes just days after St. Joseph-Ogden senior Nadirah Edwards lost her life on Dec. 3 due to injuries sustained during a car accident north of the Village.
In the last week, the community has come together, organizing a way to raise funds for the Edwards family and driving by her parent’s home with hazard lights flashing as they family joined by candlelight. On Dec. 10, the community will gather at the St. Joseph-Ogden football field to raise a Gift of Hope flag in honor of Nadirah.
Short and Smith wanted to help, too. They placed a $5 parade entry fee on the parade. All proceeds will go to the Edwards family.
“I had known Nahirah for a long time and I would have considered us friends,” Short said. “She had the sweetest soul and was so kind to everyone.
“Personally, I want to help her family because I know how heartwarming it was to receive so much support from the community when my family needed it.”
The parade is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. Vehicles will line up at St. Joseph Middle School, head down Main Street and make their way down Grand Avenue.
Decorated vehicles are asked to begin lining up at the Middle School at 4:30 p.m.
“The community’s responses have been phenomenal, everyone is so excited to participate or watch,” Short said. “I hope that the community experiences joyfulness during the parade, my hope is that everyone can have a good time while helping a family in need of love and support.”
If anyone has any questions, additional information is available by emailing Short or Smith at tessmsmith03@gmail.com or alillianshort@gmail.com.
