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Elizabeth celebrates Edler’s golden birthday: Elizabeth Fire, police and residents organize parade to help celebrate

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ELIZABETH–Communities and organizations have rallied together as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. One of these communities is Elizabeth where the town rallied on Sunday, April 5 to help celebrate a golden birthday of one of its younger residents, 6-year-old Maddie Edler.

Maddie’s mother, Samantha Edler said the family planned to have a big party this year to celebrate her daughter’s golden birthday on April 6, her first party with friends. The coronavirus pandemic and ensuing regulations put an end to those plans.

Edler saw on social media that a friend had family drive past their home to wish her child a happy birthday. This prompted Edler to gather her family together for a similar parade for Maddie.

Edler set up a Facebook group to organize her family and some friends to drive past the house for Maddie’s birthday. Since those who were planning to attend would honk and make noise, Edler decided to tell the neighbor who has a dog. The neighbor knew about Galena Fire Department passing the home of kids who had birthdays with lights and sirens.

Edler reached out to the Elizabeth Fire Department and assistant chief Andy Nolan, who chuckled and explained the department had a meeting the morning she called about doing more for the community and doing events such as birthdays for children in the area.

Following the chat with Nolan, Edler created a larger Facebook event to help coordinate the parade. The Elizabeth Fire Department led the parade with five trucks and after that it became a turnout that Edler couldn’t imagine.

Edler is originally from Michigan and prior to moving to Elizabeth one year ago, lived near Phoenix. She always lived near large cities and this event was one that showed her how special a small town can be.

“The community was amazing to pull everyone together,” said Edler. “Everyone showed up for her.”

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Edler said that the line up of cars included Maddie’s principal Beau Buchs, superintendent Brad Albrecht and her classroom teacher, as well as others from the community who joined in to honk and wave.

“I remember walking up the street to go back home to wait for it to start with Maddie and looked back and was blown away,” said Edler. “I was almost in tears. I couldn’t believe it.”

Edler said that a fourth-grade teacher from River Ridge school that Maddie didn’t have in class yet nor did Edler know, even jumped in to celebrate. That it showed Edler how much the community came out for support.

Edler said it was a surprise to Maddie, as she knew, there was going to be a parade, but Maddie thought that it was just going to be her grandparents and cousins. She didn’t know how extensive it was going to be until the fire trucks came up the hill.

“As soon as they hit the corner, she had a giddy smile on her face,” said Edler. “There was a bit of a shock when she first heard those sirens.”

Edler said Maddie loved the entire parade and was very thankful to her mom and everyone who took part in the parade.

“She loved it and was so grateful,” said Edler.

Edler said that one of Maddie’s favorite parts was when one of the members of the fire department had their child shout happy birthday over the loudspeaker.

“If I could describe a small-town feel it would be that,” said Edler. “For them to take the time to do this for my daughter was amazing. I will never forget how everyone pulled together for her.”