Imagine a covered wagon carrying a man with a broken leg, cornhusks and Navajo rugs, rolling down a dusty road in the mid-day sun. One might think we were describing a passage from a Mark Twain novel celebrating years gone by. But this was a scene at the 2002 Billy Moore Day Parade in Avondale, Ariz.
      The Billy Moore Day Parade is an annual event that celebrates a true Wild West character. Billy Moore was a horse-rustler who turned good-guy later in life. He met his final days right in our backyard of Avondale, which was known as Coldwater in the old days.
      In honor of his memory, and to celebrate the whole community, the city sponsors a parade. Every local business participates through the Chamber of Commerce. This year’s theme was “Frontier Days,” expressing our community’s pride in our past. As in previous years, SunBridge Estrella Care Center (Avondale, Ariz.) entered a float. We were determined to keep our first place prize status!
      Staff, residents and family members started planning the float months in advance. Once the city announced the parade theme, a volunteer committee was created. Everyone joined the brainstorming process. Ideas turned into actions as each volunteer took on a task. Whether painting signs, donating supplies or riding on the float, there was a role for everybody.
      We chose “Caring for Our Heritage” as our float’s theme. The efforts of staff, residents and family members came together slowly. A flatbed truck was converted into a genuine covered wagon. As the float rolled down Main Street, staff and residents in their SunBridge shirts and country duds waved to the crowd, surrounded by Wild West props and accessories.
      “Caring for Our Heritage” has a deeper meaning for the team at SunBridge Estrella. We know that by caring for our residents, we are also caring for our heritage.