Saline senior citizens get their own parade

Senior citizens will march, roll and ride through Saline in their own parade later this year after getting approval from the City Council.

The parade on Sept. 18 will mark the 20th anniversary of Mill Pond Manor, a HUD-subsidized facility for seniors on Russell Street.

Council members unanimously approved the parade Monday and decided to absorb the $1,044 the event is estimated to cost the city.

Council member Pat Ivey said he initially opposed the parade because of its cost but changed his mind and voted for it.

Council Member Alicia Ping noted that three other parades, including the high school homecoming parade, would be held within four weeks of this one.

But Kathy Mammel, director of Mill Pond Manor, said this parade is different.

“It’s true that there are other parades. But they focus on young people. It is important to have the seniors promote themselves,” she said, adding that Mill Pond residents are looking forward to a parade that would encompass motorized wheel chairs, seniors on motorbikes and two bands made up entirely of seniors.