PASADENA neighbors can enjoy an afternoon of fun and help the less fortunate at Sunday's annual Caring and Sharing Harvest Parade sponsored by the Pasadena Business Association. The popular community event will begin at 2 p.m. at Tick Neck Park.
Marchers and spectators along the two-mile parade route are encouraged to bring donations of nonperishable food items that will be collected and given to local food pantries.
"Our goal for the parade is still the same: being thankful for all that we have and sharing with others," said Carol Cross, executive director of the business association. Nelson Cross, Carol's husband, is parade chairman again this year.
Since its inception six years ago, the parade has collected almost 100,000 pounds of food that has stocked the pantries of at least three local churches, with remaining donations given to the Anne Arundel Food Bank, Carol Cross said. This year, donated food will be used to help stock pantries at 10 Pasadena churches.
"We've included many churches, large and small, that open their pantries to those in need," she said. "Nothing will go to waste."
Sunday's parade has nearly 60 local entries, with something to appeal to every member of the family, including firetrucks, antique cars, community floats, local dignitaries and Santa Claus.
Sportscaster Keith Mills of WMAR-TV will be grand marshal. A contingent of county police officers that worked at the site of the Sept. 11 terror attacks in New York last year will be special guests.
"We thank them for their effort and all of the officers that work so hard here in the community," Cross said.
Food will be collected along the parade route.
Marchers will assemble at Tick Neck Park on Edwin Raynor Boulevard. The parade will proceed south on Tick Neck Road to Mountain Road, west on Mountain to East Shore Road, north on East Shore to 218th Street, west on 218th to Outing Avenue and south on Outing to George Fox Middle School.
Neighbors unable to attend the parade can donate money to the PBA's Food Fund. The money collected will help churches buy Thanksgiving turkeys and supplies for the pantries. Checks should be made out to PBA Food Fund, P.O. Box 861, Pasadena 21123-0861.
Information: 410-987-4887.
Lions Club selling fruit
The East Anne Arundel Lions Club will begin its annual fruit sale fund-raiser this month. Proceeds benefit various community projects.
The group is accepting orders now through Nov. 9 for navel oranges and ruby red grapefruit from Florida. The fruit is available by the quarter bag, half-case or full case. Orders may be picked up from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 16 at Community United Methodist Church, 8680 Fort Smallwood Road.
Orders: 410-255-1783, 410-255- 1128, 410-255-7207.
Business group to meet
The Pasadena Business Association will have a general membership meeting at noon Wednesday at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie. Matthew George, a park ranger, will present a program on the history of the B&A Railroad.
The cost for members is $12 with a reservation or $15 at the door. Reservations must be made today.
Information: 410-987-8887.
Annual holiday bazaar
The United Methodist Women of Pasadena United Methodist Church, 61 Ritchie Highway, are preparing for their annual two-day Christmas bazaar scheduled for Nov. 8 and 9. Proceeds will benefit local and global missions.
The bazaar will open with the traditional Friday night turkey dinner from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5 to 12. Children younger than 5 may eat free. Adults older than 60 will receive a $2 discount.
Santa Claus will be available for wish lists and pictures from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Bazaar hours on Saturday will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Items for sale will include crocheted and knitted articles, angels, Christmas decorations, dolls, aprons, pillows, house plants and sweets. Children's Land will allow kids to make crafts while parents shop.
A lunch menu, featuring sandwiches, homemade soups and pies, will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Information: 410-647-3090.
Ham and oyster dinner
Jenkins Memorial Church in Riviera Beach invites the community to a ham and oyster dinner from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 9 in the fellowship hall.
A fixed-portion platter will include green beans, sweet potatoes, spiced apples, coleslaw, a roll, a dessert and a beverage. The hall is handicapped-accessible.
The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5 to 12. Youngsters under 5 can eat free with a paying adult. Carryout dinners will be available for delivery between noon and 2 p.m. Orders for carryout will be accepted at 410-437-2846 on the day of the dinner.
Information: 410-255-3819.
