(Utica, NY – July 2013) Organizers of the City of Utica’s Fourth of July Celebration held a press conference to announce the holiday’s schedule of events and introduce Grand Marshall Michael Kelly, a cystic fibrosis patient whose wish is to be part of a parade.
Michael Kelly was born with Cystic Fibrosis, an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States.
He has been developing a bucket list which has grown in just a few days to more than 200 items. It includes some things that are easily attainable. A couple of the items on the list were to be in a parade and to meet the Mayor.
The organizers of the City of Utica July 4th Parade are going one step further and naming Michael Kelly Grand Marshal. Michael also got to sit in the Mayor’s chair while waiting for the news conference and then meet with the mayor personally.
On July 4th He will ride at the head of the parade in the UPD antique patrol car and then brought to the stage in FT Proctor Park where he will welcome the crowd to this year’s celebration along with the Mayor.
The parade will kick off at 6 p.m. from the intersection of Sherman Drive and Culver Avenue. Entertainment will be provided in FT Proctor Park from 5 PM until 10 PM. Food and beverages will also be made available by local vendors. The festivities will conclude with a traditional fireworks display.
If you wish to join Michel in the parade you need to register by Tuesday, July 2. For more information email your request to events@cityofutica.com.