The annual EAST COBBER Parade and Festival will be held on Saturday, September 9, starting at 10 am. This year marks the 25th anniversary of this community-building tradition, started by EAST COBBER founder and original publisher Cynthia Rozzo and carried on by the current publisher and owner, Laren Brown.
The EAST COBBER Parade is a beloved event steeped in history and tradition. It began in 1995, holding a parade down Johnson Ferry Road, East Cobb’s main street. The tradition has grown over the years, and today, it is one of Cobb County’s premier annual events, drawing thousands of people to witness or participate in a vibrant display of music, costumed characters, floats, and marching bands.
In 1993, the EAST COBBER magazine was launched to build a sense of community in the growing East Cobb community. The main aim was to promote the people, special events, schools, and businesses that make East Cobb County such a great place to live and work– and for so many, to raise a family.
Cynthia fondly remembers her hometown parades, and in 1995, she brought that small-town tradition to the residents of East Cobb. “I wanted to bring a sense of ‘place’ to our community and create an event that kids growing up here would remember…I did not have children at the time, but I wanted my future children to experience that small-town feel and create excitement that a parade and festival provide,” she said.
She also wanted to offer a unique way for the local businesses to introduce themselves to the community in a fun and festive atmosphere.
Cynthia retired in June of last year, and with the announcement that Laren Brown, EAST COBBER’s Community Marketing Executive of 8 years, would be the new owner and publisher of the EAST COBBER. “So many people congratulated me and wished me well, but the first question was always, Will there be a parade next year?” recalls Laren.
The community has always embraced the EAST COBBER Parade. In 1995, 500 people marched in the parade. More than 2,000 participants are expected this year, representing more than 100 unique groups with more than 10,000 spectators. The parade is a tribute to the local schools. “Our principals and Teachers of the Year are the parade’s VIPs. We realize many people move to East Cobb because of the schools, and the parade has always been a unique way to honor and celebrate all our great schools,” said Laren. A free community festival, including entertainment, arts and crafts, concessions, carnival games, and local businesses, follows the parade.
The parade and festival could only happen with the generous support of its sponsors. CertaPro Painters is in its inaugural year as an advertiser with the EAST COBBER, and supporting the parade as the Presenting Sponsor is a natural extension of that existing relationship.
While generations may have come and gone since its original establishment, one thing remains constant: The EAST COBBER Parade continues to capture hearts and brings joy to everyone involved (or watching) each year! Mark your calendars and plan on attending one of East Cobb’s longest standing and revered traditions! The parade starts at 1223 Johnson Ferry Road, and will travel south on Johnson Ferry Road to Olde Towne Parkway. The festival will be held at the south parking lot of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, 955 Johnson Ferry Road, and will begin immediately after the parade from 11am-3pm.
For more information on how you can be a part of this community event, please visit www.eastcobber.com/ parade.
