By Juliana Mitchell
Hundreds of residents, staff, friends and family turned out for the CC Young Centennial Parade Saturday, April 2, which proceeded through the senior living community’s campus. The spectacular event was a perfect celebration of CC Young’s 100 years of service to seniors in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and to honor the legacy of its founder, Reverend C.C. Young.
Under sunny skies, the celebration kicked off with pre-show music by the North Texas Symphony Orchestra Brass. Parade emcees Richard Stanford, CC Young board of directors, and Jennifer Griffin, CC Young vice president of engagement, then welcomed participants and recognized the more than 35 members of Reverend Christopher Conley Young’s Family who traveled from near and far to help commemorate the special occasion. Griffin and Stanford then introduced a special acapella performance of “Sisters” by two dazzling, pint sized great, great grandchildren of Reverend C.C. Young. These two sisters were three and five years old and played to an enthusiastic crowd.
The parade began with a rendition of “America the Beautiful” by CC Young resident and opera singer John Hughes. Led by this year’s Honorary Grand Marshall, CC Young Centennial Club member Georgia Baier, the parade featured dozens of CC Young residents, antique and classic cars, stilt walkers, clowns, marching bands, local school and senior entertainment groups, music, food and fun! During the parade, guests were treated to special performances by the Stars Over Texas Twirler group, members of the Class Act Tap Company and members of the Anita Martinez Ballet Folklorico Dancers and Mariachi Band.
Groups included members of the Dallas Police Department — Northeast Division; Girl Scouts of Texas; Forney High School Drum Line; members of the Dallas Fire Department; Senior Follies; Pet Therapy Group; CC Young All Resident Council Members; CC Young Woodies; members of the Class Act Tap Company; CC Young Auxiliary; CC Young Happy Hookers; and members of the Tap Dazzlers.
In addition, the parade featured a wide range of antique and modern cars, including a Texas Motor Speedway Pace Car; a fully restored 1944 Willis Military Jeep provided by the Military Museum of Fort Worth; ’76 Mustang Cobra II Muscle Car; ’71 Gremlin; ’54 Bel Aire and more!
Parade sponsors included FYI 50+ Magazine, AARP and Anita Martinez Ballet Folklorico.