On April 4, dozens of community members came together to give Michaela Long, who has underlying pulmonary conditions that put her at high risk for respiratory illnesses, a surprise 16th birthday party, quarantine-style.
The vehicle lineup for the drive-by birthday parade was organized by Michaela’s sisters, Meghan and Sabrina, at the Northwood Alliance Church on C Street. It started at noon before heading toward the family’s home where Michaela and her mother, Robin Peterson-Long, were standing outside.
Although the surprise had been leaked to Michaela before the parade, she said she was shocked by the number of people who helped her celebrate her landmark birthday. When planning the parade, Michaela’s mom, Robin Peterson-Long, had hoped friends, family members and neighbors would attend. To the family’s amazement, teachers, strangers and first responders also drove by in their vehicles. Passing by Michaela in their cars, they paraded signs that said everything from “You go girl” to “Wishing you the best birthday.”
Michaela said her favorite part of the parade was being surprised by seeing one of her favorite teachers in attendance. Other parts of her birthday included a breakfast waffle bar and her sister making dinner later that night.
“It was really cool because everyone came for just me,” Michaela said. “It’s cool seeing people do stuff for someone else.”
Michaela’s mom had brainstormed the event after seeing viral stories about similar parades across the country. Parade-goers showed creativity with their vehicles and decorations. The parade was led with a mini semi-truck that did donuts in front of Michaela’s house, followed by a surprise police car and ambulance flashing their lights, a community member on a scooter and many others honking and waving. “It was pretty moving,” Robin Peterson-Long said.
Peterson-Long said the parade showed that the Blaine community can come together to support one of their own. She wanted to thank everyone who helped make Michaela’s Sweet 16 special.
“My favorite part was everybody who came, people who I didn’t know,” Peterson-Long said. She said it touched her seeing her daughter get excited at every car that passed.
Michaela’s sister Meghan said it was great to see how many people reached out to her to pass on good messages to Michaela if they were unable to be there in person.
“I’m really grateful for how everyone pulled together to make this such a great day for her,” Meghan said. “She talked about it the entire day.”
A video from the drive-by parade is available on The Northern Light’s Facebook page at facebook.com/TheNorthernLight.
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