The five-year resident of the Fairfield community in Cypress said this was the first time in a while she found herself thinking about something other than the coronavirus pandemic.
She launched a Facebook group April 5 dedicated to organizing car parades for children celebrating birthdays in her neighborhood while stay-at-home orders and social distancing measures are in place.
“I knew we had to do this as many times as we could to give all the kids in Fairfield that same joy,” she said. “I went straight home and created the group. My purpose was that these kids would have a memorable birthday experience when a traditional party wasn't an option.”
As of April 24, Fairfield Car Parades had about 740 members. Members can message Feld or her fellow volunteer, Rachelle Dickerson, to request a parade, and Facebook events are created within the group to let other members know when parades will take place.
Drivers typically meet in a nearby parking lot and pass by the birthday boy or girl’s home honking and waving. Feld and her son, Cole, always lead the parades in his red Miata convertible.
The group has put on more than 40 parades so far, with at least 25 planned for the rest of the month. Bookings are already taking place through May, Feld said.
There are typically between 20-50 vehicles that participate.
“People aren’t working, so they’re not tired from a day at work, and it’s easy to go,” Feld said. “Everyone loves the feeling you get when you do it—and just to get out of the house, period.”
Families have been grateful for the support of their neighbors, and Feld said she is happy to help make their day a bit more special.
“It warms my heart to help bring that feeling of community to all of our neighborhood. I can see it in their faces, and I hear it in all of their feedback,” she said. “My favorite part of doing these parades is the happiness on each and every face we drive by. I know it's a new experience for them, and I'm so grateful we get the opportunity to be a part of their special day.”
