In the Saturday, May 11 issue of The Daily Star, it was stated that the Memorial Day and Independence Day Parades in Oneonta were canceled. As these parades have been a staple of this community for decades, I have an opinion on this proclamation; “This shall not stand!”
As the president of the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, a board member of Hill City Celebrations and a proud member of the Oneonta Rotary, I know that each of these organizations has played a part in Oneonta’s parade history. Along with the city of Oneonta, Destination Oneonta, The Daily Star and others, they have created a generational rhythm here and provided shared experiences for all citizens from May until December. However, these parades would not have flourished here but for the efforts one man.
David Hayes has been the driving force of Oneonta’s parades for nearly two decades. During those years, David has made the phone calls, sent the emails and knocked on doors to fill out the rosters of parade participants. Service clubs, churches, daycare centers, arts and music organizations, state police, Oneonta fire and police departments, marching bands, college students and horse drawn carriages, David has invited them all.
Memorial Day, with its focus on our veterans, to the Fourth of July as a kickoff to the Hometown Fourth celebration in Neahwa Park, David was the man. Rotary’s Halloween Parade or Destination Oneonta and The Daily Star’s Holiday Parade, David was the ringmaster. He handled scheduling, the marching order of participants and the emcee duties as well. David Hayes has been and should always be remembered as “Mr. Parade.” His selfless service to this community is a true example of a giving heart. Knowing David as I do, it was the faces of our children that he enjoyed most of all.
David has moved to Connecticut to be closer to the estate of his father David Hayes Sr., a world-famous sculptor and artist, as he continues his work in the furtherment of his father’s legacy. David will be sorely missed. And it is up to us, the people of Otsego County, to pick up the torch and carry on these traditional celebrations. Unfortunately, it was too late to salvage the Memorial Day parade as David’s decision to move took many of us by surprise. But the rest of our parades must continue. And they will.
A group of like-minded organizations and community volunteers is coming together to discuss a parade team. Hopefully, this team will work together to plan, recruit and execute all of the parades. Together. For the good of this city. One thing everyone learned lately is that these community institutions cannot be the responsibility of one person, no matter how great they are at doing it. People get sick. People change jobs. People move away. It is up to everyone reading this column today to ask yourself if you would like to get involved. Is there something you can do to contribute to the cause? Can you contact former organizations for their inclusion this year? Do you know of any person, team, classroom, band, business or organization that hasn’t typically marched in our parades? Can you help with social media posts, prize donations or just a little of your time?
“Change is the only constant in life. One’s ability to adapt to those changes will determine your success in life.” This quote from Benjamin Franklin is as true today as when he penned it in the 18th century. In Otsego County, we are constantly faced with change knocking on our collective door. The good news is that opportunity is also knocking, as these two entities travel together. Together, we can answer that knock with resolve. With passion. With a sense of community and teamwork.
In honor of David Hayes.
If you are interested in joining the team, please email me at slewis@otsegocc.com.