MVHS Joins Utica’s Fourth of July Parade with Regional Medical Center Float

On Thursday, July 4, 2019, Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) had its first local parade appearance in the 2019 Fourth of July Parade in Utica, New York. To honor this achievement, MVHS employees and their families volunteered to walk alongside the new, regional medical center inspired float, which was as accompanied by a DJ and three other MVHS vehicles.

A month and a half prior to the creation of the float, an MVHS Fourth of July Parade Float Committee was created. Every Wednesday beginning in mid-May, a committee meeting was held, where brainstorming and creativity sparked each individual.

It was each committee member’s mission to create a professional, eye-catching float that brings awareness to MVHS and its upcoming regional medical center, which will be built by early 2023 in Downtown Utica.

“During the parade, the community seemed to greatly enjoy our presence,” said Jerry Plows, organizational development associate at MVHS. “It was great to hear people cheer and appreciate us. I could see people pouring at the float and talking about the new hospital. One group clapped and cheered while yelling, ‘Thank you!’ The work we all do is sacred and we become a part of family histories through the care we provide. The parade was just another way to reach out to the community and let them know we are here for them.”

While continuing to honor the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation, MVHS employees and their families were happy to stand by the new hospital initiative, while spending time with those they love.

“I greatly enjoyed taking part in the parade with my wife and three daughters. It’s always a joy to do something that brings a smile to other’s faces as well as spend quality time with family and friends,” said Plows.