Eureka woman turns 100 years-old, parade held in her honor

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EUREKA, Ca. (KIEM)-When a local woman’s plans to ride in the Rhody Parade for her 100th birthday is cancelled, you do the next best thing, you bring the parade to her.

“It was such a surprise, you know,” the lady of honor, Helen Sweezo said

Sweezo was given a special surprise celebration in honor of her 100th birthday.

Her daughter-in-law says she was supposed to be in a parade to celebrate the milestone but that was cancelled.

“We had a big party planned at the Eureka Woman’s Club and she was going to be in the Rhody Parade,” said Cindi Hebard. “It was going to be a surprise party and when Coronavirus happened it all got canceled.”

Helen’s family put out a message on social media and what they got was an outpouring of birthday messages in the form of cards.

“And she’s got hundreds of friends,” Hebard said. “This might be bigger than you think it is.”

Sweezo’s granddaughter was in shock at the sight of so many people in attendance.

“I was expecting a little less people but there were like a ton, there were like a hundred,” Aurora Chapan.

About a hundred people showed up in a full out spectacle including horses, police cars and a fire truck.”

There were cars with ribbons, balloons and some with very unique horns to add to the festivities.

One-by-one they passed by Sweezo showering her with gifts, flowers and birthday shout-outs.

Even Eureka Police Chief Steve Watson was there and presented Sweezo with a big bouquet of flowers.

“I think it goes to the fabric of our community and the wonderful people that we have here in this community,” Watson.  “Helen is an awesome example for us all. We’re glad to have brought her the little parade. “

It was a big parade and a big occasion Sweezo will never forget.

“And it was just huge and beautiful and they brought the Rhodie Parade to her,” Hebard.

“Being part of this is wonderful, yeah, this was quite a thing,” said Sweezo.