First Annual Hudson Sands Memorial Bike Parade

The 1st annual Hudson Sands Memorial Bike Parade was awesome!  Our neighborhood and the kind-hearted people who live in it are such a blessing to us.  It takes a village, and man are we lucky to have ours!   

The Olathe Police and Fire Departments participated, with a ladder truck leading the way.  Todd and I rode in the back of a neighbor’s cool blue Bronco, with my parents and grandma following in another neighbor’s decked-out golf cart.  Addie got to lead the kids, proudly riding her decorated brand new bike with several close friends and hundreds of neighbor kids following behind on decorated bikes, scooters, wagons and other vehicles. 

The feeling of being in the back of the Bronco facing the kids, listening to patriotic music and thinking of Hudson was incredibly emotional.  We held a picture of our hero with tears welling in our eyes.  Hudson would have absolutely LOVED the parade.  Of course, he and Addie would have been arguing over who would be in the lead!

Once we arrived at our neighborhood pool, there were food and beverage tents, a DJ, police and firemen interacting with the kids, and even a spray down from the ladder truck!  I think we set a family record of 5+ hours at the pool. 

A special thanks to these neighborhood friends:

·        Michael Dalbom, for dedicating the parade to Hudson, and for all things planning and execution.

·        Holly Owens, who helped with website, flyers, RSVPs and donations. 

·        Kristi Gallagher with Yard Love K10 for the Team Hudson yard sign.    

·        The Schumachers for the golf cart

·        The Buggs for the Bronco

·        Eric Rand with Overland Park Racquet Club for sponsoring

·        Christin Black with State Farm Agency for sponsoring

·        Southglen, The Woods and The Crossings neighborhoods at Cedar Creek for sponsoring

Over $2,000 was raised for DIPG research, and we are SO grateful to those who donated to the cause and participated in the parade!