WAYNESBORO – When Rodney Cool learned Waynesboro’s Fourth of July parade needed a new organizer, it was as if a firework sparked in his mind.
Cool, who owns Brio Coffeehouse, is someone who likes a challenge, and he wanted to give back to the community that has supported his business. That’s how he found himself becoming a fledgling parade organizer.
“I hated to see it fall away because no one was willing to pick it up,” he said.
Brothers of the Brush organized the July 4th parade for decades. Now, Cool will be taking it over and offering online registration to participants at borojuly4thparade.com. He has been asking questions of other parade sponsors, like the Combined Veterans Council for Memorial Day and Mainstreet Waynesboro for Christmas.
“It’s exciting to see Rodney Cool and his team at Brio step up and take the lead on organizing the Fourth of July Parade,” said Bill Kohler, director of economic development for Mainstreet Waynesboro.
Kohler expressed gratitude for the many years the Brothers of the Brush presented the parade
“Mainstreet Waynesboro looks forward to partnering with Brio and other community partners to continue this tradition in Waynesboro,” he said.
Cool grew up in nearby Smithsburg, Maryland, and attended school in Waynesboro. Brio Coffee opened in 2017.
The Fourth of July is one of the busiest days of the year for Brio Coffee’s Waynesboro location, which is on Center Square. Parade-goers often sample the firework frappe (with popping candy) before going to the Summer Jubilee celebration across from Waynesboro Hospital.
Cool, who has noticed increased foot traffic downtown in recent years, praised Waynesboro’s events and commented that they are integral for business.
“They can make or break a month,” he said.
Cool has started conversations with the Borough of Waynesboro for permitting, regulatory and insurance requirements.
