March 28, 2024

Annual Townie Pride Parade -2019

By Bob Rodericks

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The first Townie Pride Parade began in 1984 which was the centennial celebration of East Providence High School. Superintendent of Schools, Myron J. Francis, Class of 1947, officially coined the phrase "Townie Pride" and kicked off a celebration weekend which included gala outdoor choral and band concerts by the clock tower and an indoor orchestra.

A parade featuring every school started at the E.G. Whiteknact Elementary School and proceeded to Waterman avenue and then to Pawtucket avenue where it turned left and headed to the high school. The parade marchers ended in the large student parking lot where thousands of residents converged to a number of activity booths and food stands. A celebrity dunk tank was among the many entertainment venues provided.

1984 was also the inaugural year for the East Providence High School Hall of Fame. The first induction ceremony was held at the Metacomet Country Club as 12 Townies were inducted. That first class included Edna R. MacDonald, class of 1915, Charles Bentley, class of 1940 and Edward R. Martin, class of 1931. The centennial celebration General Chairman was Dr. F. Paul Colella, class of 1945. Colella wrote that, "As graduates of EPHS, we have a great deal to be proud of. For several generations, Townies have distinguished themselves in all walks of life and we know that future graduates will continue the tradition."

After several years the parade and celebrations waned but years ago were revised in the form of a "parade of all schools," before a Townie football game in October. Led by the famous EPHS marching band, the students, staff and family members from every school parade around Pierce Memorial Stadium and stay to watch the Townie football game. Most long time observers point to the 2019 Townie Pride parade as one of the most successful in recent memory.

Here are some random photos from the 2019 parade. Reporter photos courtesy of EPHS graduate Paul Tumidajski with contributions from Bob Rodericks and others.

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