Children, Parents Find Unique Way To Celebrate Birthdays

Complying with social distancing and sheltering in place orders makes celebrating birthdays even more unique these days. Building on the local tradition of parades escorting athletes out of town for tournaments, Glasgow is now celebrating children’s birthdays via drive by. Horns honking, waving of posters, cheering, maybe even a blast from a fire truck siren liven up a kid’s special day now.

Last week saw two celebrations, with the first one celebrating Kinley Overbey’s fifth birthday, which was April 4, with a drive by party on April 5. Her mother, Brianna Overbey told the Courier, “I just wanted to bring a little light into my girl’s life during this hard time, and didn’t want her birthday to go unnoticed.” B. Overbey reached out to the community, neighbors, friends and the fire department about a possible appearance, providing a celebration for Kinley while also following social distancing rules.

The community came through. Neighbors, the fire department, law enforcement and even the Easter Bunny turned out for the youngster’s birthday. Her mother enthused, “Kinley was over the moon, as was I by the unconditional love and support from this astounding community!”

Jeron Wesen, who drove the ladder 5 truck for Kinley’s birthday, said he volunteered for the non-traditional duty. “We want to brighten their big day when they’re stuck at home,” he said. “We’re happy to help the community at any time.”

The trend continued on April 8 when an ambulance, friends and the community made another appearance for Snow Saiz’s seventh birthday. The young lady greeted visitors to her neighborhood festooned with balloons. Grandpa Kent Murr also made an appearance in a Glasgow Fire Department truck. “I just thought I might be able to surprise her with it,” he said of his effort to make Snow’s birthday a bit happier in these times.

In addition to local gatherings, Governor Steve Bullock and Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney will send out a birthday video to any child whose parents email the office at [email protected]. The Governor's office decided to accept requests after the Governor learned some kids in the state were less than pleased about not being able to host a party.

The drive-by birthday celebrations and messages from the Governor’s office are not expected to catch on long-term, as many hope life will return to normal within the next few months. But until then, expect Valley County to continue to find unique and supportive ways to come together while staying apart.