CUMBERLAND — For the first time in more than 50 years, a Memorial Day parade to honor veterans is set to return downtown.
County United Way, Let’s Beautify Cumberland!, WCBC Radio and The Cumberland Times-News are co-sponsors of the event, said Chris Myers, coordinator of the parade.
On May 26, a Memorial Day service will take place at roughly 10 a.m. on Baltimore Street, between Liberty and Centre streets, followed by the parade.
Roger Lantz, a Vietnam veteran who retired as owner of M&M Bake Shop that recently closed after 60 years in business, will be grand marshal of the parade, which will also include Del McCoury and his wife, Jean, Myers said.
“We’re excited to bring the parade back to Cumberland,” said Myers, a member of LBC!.
The event is in the planning stage and so far includes organizations, classic cars, and Jeep and motorcycle groups.
Myers said LBC! encourages patriotic participants in the parade, including youth and school groups, clubs, emergency service departments, local businesses and musical groups.
“We’re still looking for groups that want to be involved,” Myers said.
Permit policy
Last month, Myers said Cumberland’s administration denied his request on behalf of LBC! for a special event permit to close Baltimore Street for the Memorial Day parade.
Baltimore Street as a former pedestrian mall was home to a variety of festivals and events.
From March 2023 until November, the street underwent a $17.2 million renovation, which opened it to one-way traffic.
City officials during the construction process said that upon the project’s completion, Baltimore Street could be closed if needed for special gatherings.
Councilmen Rock Cioni and Eugene Frazier at a mayor and City Council meeting in April supported the parade’s return to downtown.
Thursday, Cumberland Administrator Jeff Silka said the city recently changed its stance on the Memorial Day parade proposal.
“The applicant had since the initial inquiry submitted the proper application and had the scheduled meeting with city staff to coordinate the event and determine an acceptable route,” Silka said via email.
However, “there are still outstanding submissions that must be satisfied prior to a permit being issued,” he said.
City staffers will formulate a policy for special event permits to close Baltimore Street to traffic, which “will be brought to the City Council for approval once completed,” Silka said.
Myers said details, including insurance to cover the parade, are being finalized to satisfy city requirements.
Details, promotion
The parade is planned to stage on Frederick Street, proceed to Mechanic and Baltimore streets and end at Queen City Drive.
“One very exciting item in our partnership with DelFest is a promotional video for downtown Cumberland and the Memorial Day parade,” Myers said.
DelFest, which features bluegrass and Americana music, will be held May 22 to 25 at the Allegany County Fairgrounds.
Myers said the video being developed will be broadcast on the “Delevision” system — large screens at Delfest — and encourage festival participants to visit downtown Cumberland.
“It is our organization’s hope that out-of-town visitors will stop by downtown on their way out of town” following DelFest, he said. “We continue to encourage businesses to be open on Memorial Day for the anticipated crowd.”
‘Community stuff’
Ed Mullaney was Cumberland’s downtown manager for 15 years and today co-chairs LBC!
Mullaney, 81, said the last time a Memorial Day parade was held in Cumberland was probably around 1970.
He said when he was a kid, he decorated his bicycle for the annual Memorial Day parade in Cumberland.
“It was real community stuff,” he said. “It was wonderful.”
Mullaney recalled “the energy, spirit and talents” of the Fulton Myers Post 153 American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps that performed for many years in the annual parade.
According to Western Maryland’s Historical Library, the legion was located on North Mechanic Street and named for Fulton J. Myers, 1890-1918, a young Black soldier who served in the 351st Field Artillery and died at Camp Meade, later known as Fort George Meade in Maryland.
“They were the highlight of the parade,” Mullaney said.
He said roughly 500 mini American flags will be given to spectators along the upcoming parade’s route.
Mullaney said parade participants will include Ali Ghan Shriners in mini cars and the Mountain Maryland rescue dogs.
“It’s gonna be a composite of many good things that go on in the tri-state area,” he said. “There will be something for everyone.”