In 1968, the seeds of what would become a cherished tradition were sown as the Cub Scouts of Our Lady of Angels, guided by then Cub Scout Master Bill Waters of Troop 182, along with Jim Stanton, Mike Wulk, and Jack Lavelle, embarked on the inaugural Fourth of July parade in West Park. Utilizing makeshift “floats” crafted from coaster wagons and joined by enthusiastic neighborhood participants, they set the stage for a legacy that would endure for decades.

The following year saw the inclusion of the Boy Scouts from Troop 82, further enriching the parade’s spirit and diversity. Over the next 19 years, this grassroots celebration thrived, growing in size and significance. However, its burgeoning popularity posed logistical challenges for the scouts, casting a shadow of uncertainty over its future.

It was at this critical juncture that Howard Schreibman, a stalwart member of the West Park Kiwanis, intervened. Recognizing the parade’s cultural and communal importance, Schreibman rallied his fellow Kiwanians to sponsor and sustain this beloved event. Thus, in 1987, the baton was passed, ensuring that West Park’s Fourth of July parade would continue to flourish under the auspices of the Kiwanis.

Since then, this annual extravaganza has evolved into a cornerstone of West Park’s identity, drawing participants from all walks of life. Last year’s procession boasted an impressive lineup of over 100 registrants, including local businesses, non-profit organizations, political figures, and community organizers. Spanning over a mile and a half and attracting thousands of spectators, the parade stands as the crown jewel of Independence Day celebrations in Cleveland, a testament to the enduring spirit of unity and pride in West Park.