The skies were ominous Saturday morning, looming dark and heavy over East Cobb with rain in the forecast.
But as Cobb Police began closing off the busiest stretch of Johnson Ferry Road shortly before 10 a.m., the weather did parade-goers and participants a big favor.
The wet stuff held off long enough for more than 60 organizations, bands, school groups, businesses and more to take part in the 26th East Cobber magazine parade.
By the time the accompanying festival began at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, there was a bit of a drizzle, but not enough to scare away those stopping by booths, enjoying food and music and other entertainment.
This was the second year for the parade and festival since a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19 and an ownership change.
East Cobber founder Cynthia Rozzo was enjoying Saturday’s event for the first time as a spectator, after handing the magazine and the parade/festival to her successor, Laren Brown.
Rozzo took photos, waved at friends even did a brief interview with a local television news station.
The sense of community that’s been built up since the first parade Rozzo organized in 1993 unfolded in familiar fashion across one of East Cobb’s busiest thoroughfares, with plenty of schools represented.
In addition to public school teacher and employees of the year and three high school bands, private schools also took part the march, from Johnson Ferry Christian Academy and Eastside Christian School.
So did a number of political candidates and three members of the Cobb Board of Commissioners—a quorum—on a float.
Two standbys were Cobb librarians pushing their carts, and The Twilight Twirlers.
The chief sponsor was CertaPro Painting, with Custom Disposal and Auto Accident Attorneys Group as additional sponsor.
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