A group of people in Langley still found a way to celebrate soon-to-be parents of a baby girl during COVID-19.
About 50 vehicles took to the streets on Sunday with signs that read “congratulations Melissa and Derek” and “welcome baby girl” in celebration of a new life.
The couple is expecting to welcome their baby girl mid June, Melissa’s grandmother Lori Wright told the Langley Advance Times.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better day filled with so much love,” she said. “People from Richmond, New Westminster, Maple Ridge, Surrey and Merritt arrived. This shows the love we have for our family.”
Melissa was especially surprised to have her grandparents from Merrit make the drive down for the occasion.
“With COVID, this day also brought people out of their homes which made everyone feel great – gave them something to look forward to,” Wright said. “It was much needed by so many. Having the drive by parade, also kept everyone at a safe distance. All precautions were taken to ensure everyone’s safety.”
READ MORE: ‘I don’t know how teachers do it’: a thank you to Langley essential workers
The parade started at Alice Brown Elementary just before 1 p.m. led by an ambulance and trailed by several trucks and cars decorated with pink balloons and streamers.
The idea for the physically-distanced celebration came from Melissa’s older sister Deanna, her husband Ray, grandmother Wright, and mom Bonnie.
“They (Melissa and Derek) knew there was going to be a celebration, but nothing to this magnitude,” said Wright. “[We were] overwhelmed on how many family and friends came to show their love to the couple.”
Parades have been a common practice amid COVID-19 for members of the community to stay connected while maintaining social distance.
Langley School District has hosted several car parades or rallies since April in an effort to engage with students and families.
READ MORE: Langley mayors prepare to ‘safely open up’ amid COVID-19 pandemic
But parades could be a thing of the past.
On Wednesday, officials unveiled “BC’s Restart Plan” as they get set to ease restrictions.
Langley mayors are scheduled to meet with council on Monday to determine what they means for the City and Township.
@JotiGrewal_
joti.grewal@blackpress.ca
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