A crowd of thousands came out to this year’s Potomac Day on Oct. 25. The crisp, sunny fall day was everything that organizers asked for.
“It’s a dynamite day,” said Adam Greenberg, a member of the Potomac Chamber of Commerce, the organizers of the event. “It’s a huge success.”
Many in attendance agreed. “People can get out and enjoy the day and spend time with their families,” said Sandra Morantz of Potomac.
After the last two years, with the events of Sept. 11, 2001 and the 2002 sniper shootings, people were able to come and enjoy themselves without the lingering pall of tragedy. While Potomac Day went on in 2001, it was canceled for the first time ever in 2002.
“You get to see all the people come out; they’re friendly, warm and excited compared to last year,” Morantz said.
Others agreed that this year was a bit different. “There’s a lot more people,” said Chris Weiner, 16. “People are going to want to come out.”
Weiner was also grateful for the opportunities that Potomac Day and its parades provide to allow members of the community to get to meet each other. “It really does help to get closer to the community,” he said.
“I like that [Potomac] has the small-town feel, even though you’re close to DC,” said Matthew Goldstein, 16.
He was particularly glad to see the large number of local politicians, from U.S. Rep Chris Van Hollen (D-8) to most of the District 15 delegation to the state government to Howie Denis (R-1) and Nancy Floreen (D- At Large) who represent Potomac on the County Council “It helps citizens to enjoy their government,” Weiner said.
Some of the younger residents in attendance were happiest about the annual parade.
“Mostly my favorite part would be during the parade,” said Aaron Zaimi, 8.
Many local businesses marched in the parade, along with a variety of local clubs, schools, boy and girl scout troops and civic organizations.
Kevin Baker, 7, marched in the parade with East-West Tae Kwon Do. Of course being in the parade means he couldn’t see it fully, but he did have a chance to pick up some of the candy thrown out by many of the parade’s participants.
“I like to find candy,” Baker said.