Balboa Island parade sparks patriotism

Christine Carrillo

BALBOA ISLAND -- With the 2002 Winter Olympic torch in hand, Pete

Trapani, jogged down Marine Avenue in his Olympic running suit leading

fire departments from New York and Newport Beach.

A firefighter paramedic from Seal Beach, Trapani was asked to be a

torchbearer for the Winter Olympics and has continued his torch-bearing

career as a participant in the 9th annual Balboa Island Parade Sunday.

“Being a firefighter paramedic I thought it would be nice to honor the

New York Fire Department contingency and to show our support here on the

West Coast,” Trapani said.The crowd of thousands that gathered on the

sidewalks did just that.

Amid a swell of red, white and blue balloons along the parade

sidelines, the crowd showed their support for their nation and community

by clapping and singing along to a marching band rendition of “America

the Beautiful”

“In light of 9/11, to honor our police and fire department and for all

the law enforcement agencies, I think it’s wonderful,” said Deputy

District Attorney Kelly MacEachern. “It’s so important, especially for a

small community to come out and get involved -- it gives that hometown

feel.”

By adding its usual mix of marching bands, classic cars, dogs wearing

grass skirts and sun glasses and a special appearance by Elvis Presley,

this year’s parade maintained its character while adhering to the

parade’s theme, “All Fired Up On Balboa Island,” a tribute to

firefighters.

As the large, red firetrucks slowly drove down the street,

firefighters waved to the children intensely watching them go by and the

crowd cheered.

“He really likes the firetrucks,” said Newport Beach Resident Paul

Schmitt of his 2-year-old son Cole.

The parade had something for everyone.

“I like the patio chair drill team the best,” Schmitt’s wife Kerry

added.

Their 8-year-old daughter enjoyed something entirely different. She

got to hold the Olympic torch and get her picture taken with Trapani.

“It’s really neat because no one else in my class or in my school, I

believe, has ever touched an Olympic torch,” said Tori Schmitt, a

Woodland Elementary School student.

Putting on a show that focuses on community and allows for memorable

experiences serves as the main reason people attend the parade year after

year.

“We love it,” said Clare Warner, a Costa Mesa resident who has

attended the parade with her family for the last three years. “It’s great

for the children. It’s a great old fashion parade.”

While some people have made attending the parade a tradition, others

have just discovered it.

“I’ve lived here for 30 years and this is my first time,” said Jeff

Brown, a Corona del Mar resident. “But it’s a great sense of community.”

Many others would agree.

“I grew up in a small town -- it’s very reminiscent of that,” said

Chuck Creacy, a Balboa Island resident and weekend host at Wilma’s Patio,

a restaurant along the parade route whose owners were both participants

in the parade.

* Christine Carrillo is the news assistant. She may be reached at

(949) 574-4298 or by e-mail ato7 [email protected] .