Deborah Prescott | Daily Press North Woods Place residents enjoy a parade by the Vintage Tin Car Club Thursday. Approximately 20 vintage vehicles drove by Bishop Noa, Christian Park Village, Christian Park Health Care Center, and North Woods Place Senior Living in a parade.

ESCANABA — Residents in Bishop Noa Home, Christian Park Village, Christian Park Health Care Center, and North Woods Place Senior Living enjoyed a parade of vintage cars by the Vintage Tin Car Club Wednesday, thanks to North Woods’ Community Relations Manager Nicki Owens and Christian Park Center Activities Director Cindy Liukkonen.

North Woods holds an annual classic car show in July, but due to COVID-19 restrictions this year, the activity had to be changed up a bit.

“Every year we have a classic car show that involves a cookout and residents’ family members,” said Owens. “Because of COVID-19 we can’t this year, but I thought having a parade instead would be a good idea.”

Owens thought it would be good to invite other nursing facilities to join in the parade idea and contacted the Activities Director at Christian Park Center.

“Within our area we have three other skilled nursing facilities and I reached out to Cindy Liukkonen, the activities director at Christian Park Center, to see what she thought about it,” said Owens. “Coincidentally she had already reached out to Krusin Klassics to set up a drive-thru car show for their Center.”

Liukkonen said Krusin Klassics usually drive by Christian Park after participating in the Fun Run parade each year, but this year the event was canceled.

“Every year Krusin Klassics cruise through the area after their parade, but this year they canceled it,” said Liukkonen. “Residents have been so restricted … activities are so limited … at least they can have a parade go by where they can still see the cool cars they remember growing up with.”

Liukkonen reached out to the Vintage Tin Car Club and set up a date and time for the parade. Owens and Liukkonen added Christian Park Village and Bishop Noa to the parade route and the event was set.

“The parade will bring cheer to all our seniors during this difficult time,” said Owens.

The parade started 3 p.m. on 3rd Avenue South and traveled by Bishop Noa Home, continued to Christian Park Village, Christian Park Health Care Center, and concluded at North Woods.