On July 4 Plano West Rotary Club members were honored to work together with members of the other Rotary clubs in Plano, Texas to bring back the city’s beloved holiday parades.
Since 2020 Plano’s July and December holiday parades have been put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Until that point the parades had been produced through a cooperative effort between Plano Early Lions Club, the City of Plano and Plano Independent School District.
Once it was time to bring the parades back in a safe way, the tradition needed a new organizer. The City of Plano approached Plano Rotarians to see if they were interested. The Rotary clubs in our area stepped up to the challenge and offered members to help organize the two parades each year. They will serve this role unified as the Rotary Clubs of Plano.
Rotarians from all of the Plano-area clubs:
This year’s Independence Day was the perfect time to ease into the tradition, as the City of Plano had already planned the All-American Fourth event at Collin College’s Spring Creek campus. Because it was a stationary, walk-through event, the Rotary Clubs of Plano hosted a stationary parade float.
Plano West Rotary’s current president, Joy Hinkelman, served on the steering committee to kick off the first Rotary-led event.
“Rotary International President Jennifer Jones encourages unity and partnership to make a larger impact. I feel that our continued collaboration with our fellow clubs is directly in line with this vision. While Plano West can do a great deal alone, joining with the other Plano Rotary clubs helps to make our impact on the community stronger,” said Joy.
Serving alongside Joy on July 4 were Plano West members Kelley Crimmins, Katherine Goodwin, Nadya Tatsch and Jitesh Mehta. Nadya even brought along her family to help.
Plano West Rotary President Joy Hinkelman at far left:
Our club members supported the event by manning the Rotary information table and spin-the-wheel game. The table allowed event attendees to ask questions and find out more about Rotary and our mission. This event also allowed our club members to honor the individuals who have served our country.
Joy said that fun and fellowship also played a part in our club’s decision to help with this event.
“When you consider how stressful and isolating the last two years have been, participating in the return of a time-honored Plano tradition makes sense, not just for Rotarians but for all of the citizens of Plano.”
