The Abilities Parade will return to Grove Park on May 17, offering a free, family-friendly celebration of inclusion, talent, and community spirit.
The parade is hosted by
1in6 Support in partnership with the City of Midland Parks and Recreation. It highlights the strengths of all individuals and promotes awareness and accessibility. The parade will begin at 4 p.m., with a kickoff
scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Live performances and speeches are planned for 4:30 p.m.
“There has been so much support for this parade, and for creating a community that is more accessible for everyone, it’s inspiring to see,” says Lily Kelsey, Abilities Parade planning committee volunteer.
“I’ve noticed that some community members don’t think the Abilities Parade is necessarily ‘for them,’ which could not be more false. This event is truly about building support and creating spaces that value and respect all individuals, no matter their ability.”
The afternoon will include food trucks, face painting, yard games, a petting zoo, bounce houses, and free food and refreshments. Attendees will also be able to connect with representatives from more than 20 community organizations offering local programs and resources.
Public Arts Midland will lead a group art-making session as part of its 2025 community art installation, “How Does Your Garden Grow?” Participants of all ages and abilities are invited to design flowers and butterflies for a collaborative garden display.
The Midland Soccer Club will also host a demonstration of its
TOPSoccer Program, an inclusive initiative designed for children with disabilities.
Kelsey emphasized that inclusion is everyone’s responsibility, not just those directly affected by accessibility issues.
“We have to think about how others interact with spaces,” she says. “How would it feel if we could not spend time with a loved one in certain spaces because of a lack of accessibility, or think about how, as we continue to age and grow older, would we be able to continue doing the things we currently enjoy? Is the community accessible enough in these situations?”
Volunteers in a variety of roles are still needed for the event. Those interested in volunteering can visit
www.signupgenius.com for more information and to register.
“There are many different volunteer roles needed to be filled at the parade, including greeters, parking directors, set-up and tear-down volunteers, food distributors, and even ‘cheerleaders’ for the participants of the parade,” Kelsey says.
The Abilities Parade was first held in 2024 to celebrate the grand opening of the
Changing Places restroom at Grove Park, the first of its kind in Michigan, and the 2025 event continues this spirit of progress and recognition for individuals of all abilities.
This year’s parade is sponsored by the
Midland Rotary Foundation,
VOICE Inc.,
Creative360,
Midwest Patient Lifts, and
Captured Photography.
1in6 Support’s mission is to empower and uplift families of children with disabilities through emotional and practical support, community collaboration, and a commitment to accessibility.
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