Centennial Celebration: Riverside Neighborhood Parade Marks 100 Years

The Riverside Neighborhood Parade is an annual tradition in this near west side community, celebrating a milestone this year as it marks its 100th anniversary.

Careena Jackson, president of the Riverside Civic League, notes that the parade brings together the community, fosters unity, and celebrates the neighborhood's history and partnerships. "It's something that's in my heart. It's something that matters to me," she said.

Riverside is a historic neighborhood with many homes built in the early 1900s. The neighborhood has a rich history, dating back to 1925 when there was a parade to celebrate the paving of Harding Street.

On Saturday morning, city leaders, law enforcement, community partners, performers, and local school students paraded down Riverside Drive. Caela Gorman watched from the sidewalk as her younger sister marched in the parade with the Junior Red Devils Youth Cheer League. "We're usually up here for the Black Joy events. My uncle took place in the Shakespeare in the Park type events," she said.

Carolyn Sutherlin also came to cheer for her loved one, whose husband marched with the Indianapolis Shakespeare Company or Indy Shakes. "Truly it was family. It felt like a big family coming out for a block party," Sutherlin said.