PEABODY — When it comes to rallying to support someone who has fallen on difficult times, nobody does it better than the city of Peabody.
The community is coming together Saturday not only to show its support for 10-year-old Olivia Bormann, but for an even bigger reason — to celebrate her 11th birthday with a larger-than-life parade and fun day full of family activities.
“It’s going to be a great day and we want everyone to come out for Olivia on her birthday with one of the biggest birthday parties you will ever see,” said event organizer Jamie Santos. “After spending exactly two months in the hospital, Olivia and her family deserve a birthday parade like no other.
“Team Olivia is asking everyone to be over the top when it comes to decorating your vehicle. If you want to pull a trailer with a big elaborate float on it, go for it. We are looking for some real creativity here. She deserves this.”
Since Feb. 23, when doctors discovered a hematoma was pressing against her spine, Bormann has been working hard at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston to regain the ability to walk. She is due to be discharged Friday, two months to the day after being rushed to Children’s Hospital where medical professionals performed emergency surgery to remove the hematoma.
The festivities begin at 11 a.m. at the West Memorial Elementary School at 15 Bow St. A 50/50 raffle will be held and many items, including Team Olivia T-shirts and bracelets, luau-themed items and customized Olivia balloons will be available for purchase. A high-water truck on loan from the Gloucester Fire Department will feature DJ Dane Leveton of LEVITATE, and there will be plenty of cotton candy, popcorn, snacks and beverages for everyone. The event even has a professional balloon twister in the mix.
Last Friday, Bormann’s West Elementary School classmates got an early start on the celebration with “Olivia Day.” The day featured students decked out in hot pink Team Olivia T-shirts, displaying an oversized “Happy Birthday Olivia” banner.
Santos said the outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming.
“We have an army of people helping with this and nobody has said no, nobody,” he said. “It’s been amazing, and I really want to thank everyone who is making this happen — the businesses, the individuals and families, the police and fire departments. There are so many different levels to this and it’s been absolutely amazing.”
Though a huge crowd is anticipated, hand-sanitizing stations will be available, and attendees must wear facial coverings at all times except when eating. Social distancing should be maintained.
“We know there is going to be a big crowd, but we will have plenty of officers on hand to help direct traffic and make sure people are safe,” said Peabody Police Capt. Scott Richards. “Our priority will be public safety, but the police department is 100 percent on board behind the event, and we will make sure it goes well. We all want this to be a very special day for Olivia; that’s the goal.”
At approximately 1 p.m., the parade, led by a police escort, will make its way to the Bormann’s home on Winona Street where Olivia; her parents, Michele and Cheyne; younger sister Stella; and many friends and family members will greet parade participants. The parade route is as follows: from the West School, right onto Bow Street, right onto Lowell Street, right onto Lake Street, then right onto Winona Street.
The fundraising events will be held at the front of the school. Vehicles participating in the parade should park in the large back parking lot of the school. Overflow parking will be available at St. Adelaide’s Church in both lots on Lowell Street.
The rain date is May 1. For updates on the status of this event, go to the Supporting Olivia Facebook page.