It NEVER rains on Kamm’s Corner

There are three things that symbolize Independence Day for most Americans: cookouts, fireworks and parades. While many Great Lakes Base members attended cookouts with our families, and most people wouldn’t trust a bunch of Star Wars fans with fireworks, then one thing we can do to celebrate our country’s birthday by marching in local parades! And one of the most iconic parades in Cleveland, Ohio is the Kamm’s Corner July 4th Parade – hosted by the West Park Kiwanis Club.

Kamm's Corner July 4th Parade

Having grown up in West Park, I know this parade all too well; my old Cub Scout Pack (#293) used to march in this parade every year.  Years later, we had marched in this parade once with several of the early costumers from Jedi Knights of Cleveland.  Yet for some reason, we just stopped organizing parade events locally? 

Kamm’s Corner just also happens to be the home of our friends at Carol and John’s Comic Shop.  John was kind enough to open the store for Great Lakes Base, Ohio Garrison and Rancor Clan to use as a staging area for the parade.  And let me tell you there’s nothing better then a two mile parade route that starts and ends right at the front door of your local comic book store.

The only “grey cloud” hanging over us were (in fact) the clouds.  The forecast kept predicting “80% chance of rain/showers” -- which could kill an event for most Star Wars costumers, remember people put a lot of time/love/money into building these costumes (many with electrical wiring inside).  I kept trying to reassure doubt on the forums, and even when I spoke with the guy from West Park Kiwanis about the possibility of a rainout, my trust was renewed when told me that in all his years it “NEVER rains on Kamm’s Corner for the parade!”  It may rain the night before, maybe a few drops fall before the start, it may downpour immediately afterwards -- but there always seems to be this two hour window of clear skies for the parade; a fact he credits to intervention by a local church pastor.

March of the Mandos, Rebels and Troopers

As I’d mentioned, the Kamm’s Corner parade is the biggest July 4th parade in Cleveland.  Most of the local politicians, judges and other elected officials make an appearance, as well as police, firefighters (yes, they bring the trucks) and other civil service organizations.  While we waited for our section of the parade to kickoff, people from other groups would come over to us for pictures -- most notably Ronald McDonald!  Finally, when it was time for us to make our way down Lorain Rd. -- THOUSANDS of people were lined up along the street; some even camped out on rooftops of buildings.  Later, the parade turned down one residential side street -- where entire families were camped out on their front lawn with tents, lawn chairs and having cookouts.  We marched on what turned out to be a rather humid morning until we got back to Rocky River Drive and finally back to Kamm’s and the comic store.

GLB "Mission Report" -- Kamm's Corner July 4th Parade

Happy Independence Day Rebels!