Family, friends hold birthday party parade for 3-year-old boy in NOTL

A little boy in Niagara-on-the-lake had a very special birthday celebration over the weekend despite new restrictions put in place due to COVID-19.

Nathan and Sarah Biega knew they wouldn’t be able to host a birthday party for their three-year-old son, Leo, after the government implemented a limit on the number of people allowed to gather in one place during the pandemic.

Sarah decided to reach out to friends and family to see if they would be willing to drive by their home and wish Leo a happy birthday Sunday morning.

At 11:30 a.m., the family made their way outside to wait and see who was able to show up for Leo’s special day.

Nathan told Leo he was going to get some visitors that morning but even he was surprised at what followed. “I was welling up,” Nathan said as he recounted the number of cars that showed up for his son.

Video shows a steady stream of cars, trucks, and SUVs making their way down the street, honking their horns and decorated with balloons and signs.

“Leo saw his friends and family from afar but was very excited. He was saying thank you in the video. He was a little overwhelmed,” said Nathan.

It wasn’t just overwhelming for the birthday boy, his parents were thankful to get to see their loved ones who they haven’t been able to spend time with lately.

“It was really cool to see friends and family gather together for us. It was great to see everyone come out during this time. I haven’t seen them in a while so it was nice to see them show their support for Leo.,” said Sarah.