Donors rally to save Veterans Day parade

<p>The threatened demise of Sonoma County's only Veterans Day parade was a sudden call to action Wednesday for supporters who began committing funds to keep the Petaluma event alive.</p><!-- Nothing to do. The paragraph has already been output --><p>Organizers now are optimistic the annual parade will go on in November after receiving promises Wednesday for about $7,500 of the $12,500 needed to pay the city of Petaluma for police and public works crews, costs officials said the city can no longer cover because of budget constraints.</p><p>"People are stepping up. My gut feeling is we're going to have the parade," said Steve Kemmerle, chief parade organizer for American Legion Post No. 28.</p><p>The largest contribution came from Friedman Brothers, the home improvement center that got its start in Petaluma in 1946.</p><p>Bill Friedman, president and chief executive, said he was stunned by an article in Wednesday's editions of The Press Democrat detailing the city's reimbursement demand for parade costs.</p><p>"I read the paper, and it made me sick to my stomach," Friedman said.</p><p>He considered it unacceptable that a shortage of funds would prevent the thousands of people who gather in downtown Petaluma on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, to honor the contributions and sacrifices of members of the armed services. Friedman's founders -- Bill's late father, Benny, and uncle Joe -- were veterans.</p><p>"I did it for the respect for our veterans. I'm doing it for our family," Friedman said.</p><p>The call from Friedman was among a dozen Kemmerle took Wednesday from parade supporters, including a handful offering money to help pay the bill to the city. He heard from others through e-mails.</p><p>"I've had calls all day. I expected to get some response, not as much as quick," Kemmerle said.</p><p>The parade draws crowds along a mile-long stretch of downtown Petaluma streets to view veterans' contingents of all ages and processions of military vehicles, bands and floats. Vintage warplanes roar overhead.</p><p>In past years, organizers obtained city permits for the parade, banners and use of Walnut Park, in addition to police and public works services, all at no cost. Several weeks ago, Kemmerle said he received a bill from the city for $12,500 that must be paid before the parade is permitted.</p><p>"We were all set and all of a sudden, wow, what is this," he said.</p><p>While still short of the amount due to the city, Kemmerle is confident supporters will come through.</p><p>"Until you have the money in hand, you can't say we're going to have a parade. But we're making headway," he said.</p><p>You can reach Staff Writer Michael Coit at 521-5470 or mike.coit@pressdemocrat.com.</p>