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This weekend the City of Sault Ste. Marie is enjoying its annual Rotaryfest event – full of amusement rides, cotton candy, music, and parades. After meeting up with the Soo’s iconic mascot, Bon Soo, the Cycle to Walk team joined in the parade thanks to an invite by the local Rotary Clubs. This was the biggest parade the team has ever participated in, and it was great to be a part of it!

Thousands of people lined the sidewalks, and many shouted their support for us. People cheered, clapped, and dropped money in donation buckets as we progressed forward. It was so nice to see familiar faces in the crowd – from old high school classmates, to neighbours, members of the church, and new friends recently met from Cycle to Walk events such as at the Children’s Rehabilitation Centre.  Also, it was great to see our friends from St. Mark’s bring their signs out for the second day in a row!
 
A big thanks to Rick Fall and Matt and Lynda Ferris for participating in the parade by throwing out Frisbees, taking donations, distributing wrist bands, and for explaining to people in the crowd just what Cycle to Walk is all about.

In past blogs, I have mentioned that Cycle to Walk has had several unique opportunities to spread the message of polio eradication, education and rehabilitation. This afternoon was probably the most unique way for us to do that yet, as I was able to attend a great friend’s wedding. Sarah and Morty Walls were not only married today, they shared their support for the Cycle to Walk polio campaign with everyone and encouraged their guests to join in on the Cycle to Walk excitement. The entire wedding party and their families proudly showed off their support by wearing Cycle to Walk wrist bands.

I have been friends with Sarah for 13 years, and am so happy that our road schedule allowed me to see her on her wedding day. I visited with many of the friends I made in the Anglican Church youth group while living in Sault Ste. Marie. On a day that’s supposed to be about the bride and groom, Sarah and Morty Walls definitely demonstrated selfless acts of kindness to show that no matter what we are doing in life we must come together as one to help eradicate polio. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Walls for the kind words, the support, and for allowing me to share in your special day!