Morningside Days kicked off Thursday, April 16th with a parade that also honored the memory of a man who cared about the community.
Kristi Nathaniel spent the evening with her son Brian in lawn chairs along a parade route.
“I’ll be honest I love this time of year. So, I get very get excited about Morningside Days and the Morningside Days Parade. I just love parades.”
Morningside Days started in 1950 as a way to help promote local businesses and people who live here.
REPORTER: What do you like about Morningside?
“I like that it’s a good friendly neighborhood. It’s nice that you can know everyone. There’s a lot in this area to do and get involved in and it’s a nice family neighborhood,” said Brian Nathaniel.
The Honorary Parade Marshal for this year’s event, the Morningside College Football Team. The Mustangs won their first NAIA National Championship last season.
Dr. Mike Rogers was chosen as the Parade Marshal.
“I love this idea. Dr. Rogers is that one person that showed one person can change the world,” said Kristi Nathaniel.
Dr. Rogers died in March after a battle with liver cancer. He was a long-time educator in the Sioux City Community School District, including principal at East Middle for the past six years.
“He truly changed kids thoughts about themselves. He cared about the whole community and if all of us could be more like Dr. Rogers what kind of impact could we make on the whole world?
“Seriously, one person had such a big impact on the community.”
Kristi Nathaniel also says her three children, Brian included, all had Dr. Rogers as a school leader.
“My oldest only had him for one year. And, in one year there was a complete change at the school and she said for once she felt valued all because of Dr. Rogers in that one year.”
Brian Nathaniel a junior at East High School spent even more time with Dr. Rogers.
“For my 6th to 8th grade year he was my principal and I liked him a lot.”
“I thought he was a good role model and someone everyone aspired to be.”
“He was always there for someone that needed it and he was a good man and a good person.”
A carnival takes place in Peters Park through Sunday for Morningside Days. For a short video of the Morningside Days parade check out the Siouxland Public Media Facebook Page.