Hundreds of vehicles paraded through Mt. Olive on a rainy Sunday last month in its push for President Donald Trump to be reelected in today’s election.
Despite its criticisms for causing nuisances like traffic and noise, as many criticized on social media sites, Drive for 45! Pro Police, Pro Military, and Pro Trump parade did make sure to support local restaurants, police, military and the local food pantry, according to Beth Figueira, event organizer on behalf of the Mt. Olive Patriots. It was held on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. “but people were coming to Turkey Brook Park in the rain as early as 2:30,” she says.
Along with the honking, decorated vehicles and parade, was entertainment, prayer and speeches.
“We had DJ Shatner from Newton playing patriotic music,” describes Figueira. “Our opening ceremony began at 4 p.m. Gregori Lukas was the vocalist who sang “The National Anthem” and gave the crowd chills with his euphonious voice.
“Raffaele Ruggiero, a U.S. Marines Vet from Flanders, did the prayer invocation,” she continues. “Four young patriots led us in the “Pledge of Allegiance.”
As for the speakers, “Martin Wellzmuller of Budd Lake was our first speaker and discussed the importance of voting by mail in this election,” describes Figueira. “Alex Roman, MO Council VP and president of the MO Republican Club, was our second and final speaker. At 4:35 we returned to our vehicles for the parade through town. We drove through The Crossings, Clover Hill, Bennington Woods, and Morris Chase neighborhoods and ended back at Turkey Brook Park. Due to the high number of vehicles in the procession and the fact that we were only traveling 20-25 mph, it took us about an hour and a half to complete the route.”
Supporting the local restaurants as well as filling the shelves at the Mt. Olive Food Pantry were amplified at the Drive for 45! event.
“We encouraged all participants to eat at or take out from our local restaurants afterwards,” explains Figueira. “That's why I chose the 4-6 p.m. time frame for the event. I, along with several other groups met up at The Market Tavern for dinner.”
The event supported local police as well.
“Online sales of Pro Police, Pro Military, and Pro Trump apparel and flags took place online prior to the event with Global EMA,” says Figueira. “A portion of the proceeds are being donated to the MOPD PBA on behalf of the Mt. Olive Patriots. We will proudly present them with a $250 check in the coming days.”
Figueria says she did adhere to traffic control by authorities as well as mandates on COVID 19 social distancing and safe protocol to prevent the spread of disease.
“MOPD did an excellent job directing traffic along the route,” says Figueira. “MOPD said they stopped counting at 360 vehicles which included cars, trucks, motorcycles, and military vehicles donned with flags, signs, and banners. I would say there was probably 500 vehicles and at least 1,000 people who attended.
“I was very pleased with the turnout and the amazing display of patriotism despite the weather,” she continues. “It was intended to be a local event, but because of social media people from other towns also attended. Members of Gays for Trump and Latinos for Trump were also in attendance proudly displaying their flags. Mask wearing was encouraged at the park due to COVID restrictions.”
Participants were also asked to donate food to the local food pantry.
“Sue Morse from the Food Pantry said they did not weigh the food, but it completely filled their cargo van and they are now fully stocked for Thanksgiving.”