Ollie was 10 when he was struck while riding his bike near Timnath on Aug. 2, 2023. He later died from his injuries. His parents, Clarissa and Rod Stratton, helped establish the parade as a neighborhood gathering to remember their son; they say it has since grown into an opportunity for families to spend time together and discuss bike safety.

According to the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, Amy Weiss struck Ollie near Saddle Horn Drive and River Pass Road. Weiss was convicted of careless driving resulting in death and sentenced to a year in jail. She also pleaded guilty to tampering with physical evidence after admitting she deleted a text message shortly after the crash.

Participants dressed as favorite characters for the parade. The Strattons wore costumes inspired by Buzz Lightyear and Jessie from “Toy Story,” recalling Ollie’s younger days dressing as Woody.

Clarissa Stratton said the gathering gives other families a chance to make memories, even as it brings home the memories her own family has lost. “All we have is the photographs and the memories of our son,” she said. “And so, this is our way of giving back to the community.”

She said being part of a community can help people through grief and other difficult times. The parade also carries a safety message: the Strattons hope children learn to put phones away and pay attention when they eventually drive.

“We think it's just a really beautiful way to remind people about how important it is to be safe behind the wheel of a car and just how many lives are depending on it every day,” Clarissa Stratton said.