Roanoke Rapids Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon was expecting 175 to 200 canned goods from Sunday’s parade entrants.

He got 600, he said during city council’s work session this evening.

The city requested two canned goods each from the entrants to donate to Angel’s Closet.

“In addition to the success of the parade, 600 canned goods were donated by the participants,” City Manager Joseph Scherer said during the meeting.

“We asked each participant to bring two canned goods,” Simeon said. “Some brought cases. We are pleased we can give them to the parade’s grand marshal.”

Simeon said following the meeting, “I was overwhelmed. I’m sure (Angel’s Closet Director) Gilbert (Portela) will be elated. That really made the parade worthwhile. It was the icing on the cake.”

Mayor Emery Doughtie said he was pleased by the participation of city employees. “Riding in the parade I saw a lot of volunteers.”

He said he was also appreciative of Citizens Community Bank sponsoring the parade as well as those who attended the event.