Max’s Mardi Gras celebration set for April 27

Max’s Mardi Gras parade and festival will be even bigger and better this year, committee convenor Bill Andrews said. "We have more than 70 units in the parade and the festival will have even more activities," he said.

The parade is the "parade with a heart," Andrews said. This year’s parade theme, "Uniting for America’s Kids," was chosen in response to the events of September 11.

The idea of the parade was first born in 1999 when 10-year old Max Monaghan was granted a wish by the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Western New York. Max’s wish was to attend the Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans but because of his illness, he decided to have the parade in Brockport where he could "share it with his friends." Monaghan is HIV positive.

Andrews said the parade united the community of Brockport and the community responded with overwhelming support.

Monaghan has been the Parade Marshall every year. Medication has stabilized his condition and enables him to lead a normal life most of the time. He and his family have provided the lead float each year.

The parade line-up has been finalized. Andrews said red, white and blue beads are still available by contacting him at 637-3721, 727-1748 or wandrews@frontiernet.net.

Andrews urged everyone to come out to the event. "The more participation and the bigger audience we have, the more fun the day will be," he said. "This is an excellent collaboration between the town and the gowns when they come together to support this event … this has a positive effect on our community spirit."

The parade will be Saturday, April 27 and begins at 10 a.m. A festival follows at Special Olympics Park on the SUNY campus.