While Holland Happening may be cancelled the senior assisted living facility, Regency on Whidbey, is adapting a parade to fit the safety guidelines of these coronavirus times.

The parade, a first for Regency, will eschew floats and crowds. Instead paraders will drive their cars and Regency residents will view from the safety of their balconies and windows.

According to Lanida Brophy, one of the organizers for the parade, the event was inspired by Facebook videos where family members will drive by a grandparent’s house honking and holding signs.

“We figured a lot of people don’t have much to do and going out on a drive is one thing they can do,” Brophy said. So they decided to organize a drive by parade for Regency residents.

The drive-by parade will happen 2-2:45 p.m. Monday.

Brophy said the route she envisions has paraders driving onto Kimball Drive from State Highway 20, turn right on Swantown Road and then into the back parking lot of the retirement home.

Tulips will be placed around the community and Regency staff will be outside greeting the drivers, standing six feet apart and wearing masks.

Regency has invited families and friends of residents, fire department, police and local chambers members to participate. However Brophy said she doesn’t know how many drivers will participate.

“We don’t really know if we’re going to have great participation or hardly any participation,” Brophy said.

She said drivers could decorate their cars with balloons, paper cutouts of tulips or poster boards with“Hi Grandma and Grandpa,” written on them, she said.

“It’s by no means a super organized event,” Brophy said. She added, “it might be something to lift some spirits, and it might be kind of fun.”

To learn about participating in the parade, call Regency at 360-279-0933.