In late March, with schools closed and everyone starting to social distance amid the pandemic, Dartmouth resident A’Mya Acevedo’s ninth birthday party fell by the wayside.

As the days turned into weeks, her mom Brittany Brasells wasn’t sure when they’d be able to have a party.

But on Saturday, A’Mya finally celebrated her birthday — and it was the most memorable one yet.

She stood in the driveway with her family and waved as friends held a parade in her honor, honking from cars decorated with posters, messages and balloons.

Dartmouth Police and the Fire Department showed up for the occasion with flashing lights, and even the Easter Bunny made an appearance from the back of a motorcycle.

Several of her friends stopped long enough to hand gifts from their cars before continuing down Slocum Road.

“I really liked it,” said the birthday girl with a grin when it was all over.

“That was unbelievable,” said A’Mya’s grandfather David Brasells. “That was the best birthday party I’ve ever been to in my whole life.”

“At least the kids get to enjoy the birthday so they don’t miss out,” agreed grandmother Susan Brasells. “It’s so much easier than having a party, too.”

Even A’Mya’s one-year-old brother Adrian Rodriguez came out in the sunshine to help celebrate.

After the parade passed, A’Mya was left with a handful of balloons and messages and a pile of presents, which she eagerly tore into amid the warm spring sunshine.

“We used to just have games like pin the tail on the donkey [for birthdays],” said David with a laugh. “But that was so cool. I enjoyed it more than she did!”