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Drive-By Birthdays Spark Joy for Outlook Kids

Activity has become standard practice in the midst of COVID pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic doesn’t seem to care that we all had a growing list of events and special dates on our respective calendars before this all took over our lives, but one thing that people have still been able to do is spark a little joy in the lives of our community’s youngest residents.

Drive-by birthdays have started to become a standard practice, in which the public can cruise by a residence and acknowledge someone’s special day with a honk and a wave, and that’s precisely what happened in Outlook twice this past week.

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Young Lexi Read was the center of attention on her big day last Thursday, with people cruising by the Read home on Pangman Street to 'honk' their wishes! - Amanda Read

First up was Lexi Read, who turned 11 years old on Thursday, April 16.  Lexi’s mom Amanda posted on the Outlook & District Bulletin Board page on Facebook that Lexi and her family would appreciate if people drove past their home on Pangman Street to give a honk and acknowledge her birthday, and the people of Outlook honored that request.  Even the RCMP got into the spirit, throwing on the lights of their cruisers and sounding the sirens, and even leaving Lexi a birthday gift.

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Signs displayed from vehicles helped make the day for 8-year old Marek Ball. - Wendy Ball
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Marek Ball with a colorful sign noting his 8th birthday. - Wendy Ball

Next was Marek Ball, who turned 8 years old on Sunday, April 19.  Marek’s mom Wendy shared photos and video on her Facebook page, which showed the youngster receiving a number of visitors, including friends and neighbors and even some surprise visitors such as the Outlook RCMP, who once again threw on the lights and sirens to acknowledge Marek’s special day.

Events such as these show that while the pandemic may keep us indoors, it won’t keep us from celebrating and putting a smile on some innocent young faces.