Zona Rosa Easter parade is Saturday

Kansas City Star

March 21, 2008

A Northland shopping center is preparing to turn into a display of traditional Sunday best today as families and their pets parade in bonnets and lace trim, twirling parasols of yesteryear.

The annual Easter parade will kick off today at 11 a.m. in Zona Rosa's Town Square. A three-block walking parade, the parade is open to all locals looking to strut their stuff.

'We've had people in the past come in funny costumes, like a chicken costume,' said Rosemary Salerno, general manager of Zona Rosa. 'But the tradition is to award people in their Sunday best. We encourage ladies to wear bonnets.'

Local judges will crown the best dressed in eight categories -- most outstanding lady, gentleman, teenage boy, teenage girl, boy, girl, family and pet. Zona Rosa will break from the shopping development's no pet policy for the parade activities.

About $3,000 worth of gift certificates and prizes will be handed out to winners. The family named most outstanding will take home a $1,000 Zona Rosa gift certificate.

Following the parade will be a variety of activities for children and families until 4 p.m., including a petting zoo, photos with the Easter Bunny, crafts and musical performances.

'Traditionally it has been just a parade,' Salerno said. 'But we really make a whole day out of it and have lots of activities.'

The annual Easter parade was a fixture on the Country Club Plaza for more than 30 years until 1996. Salerno said it had been important for many area residents for years.

'In 2006 we resurrected the Easter Parade as a chance for local families to build new memories,' Salerno, said. 'People appreciated this reinstatement of an old tradition.'

Salerno said an estimated 5,000 people turned out for the parade's return.

'The first year was great,' Salerno said. 'The weather was beautiful so we're keeping our fingers crossed that the weather would be good this year. The parade is held rain or shine.'

The parade's grand marshal in 2006 was baseball legend Buck O'Neil. Last year, the parade honored former Kansas City Mayor Kay Barnes. Today, civic leader Carl DiCapo will be the grand marshal in recognition of his community contributions.

In addition to serving on civic boards, DiCapo is a trustee of the Liberty Memorial Association. 'We also look towards to someone who has had strong ties to the community,' Salerno said. 'We want to recognize Carl for all of his work and the fundraising he's done for the WWI memorial.'

Want a prize?

People who are competing at the Easter parade at Zona Rosa should register on site by 10 a.m. today.

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