SAINT PAUL, Minn. - A neighborhood in Saint Paul that has seen quite a bit of road and light rail construction showed some community spirit on Saturday.

There was no sleeping in for folks who live along West Charles Avenue in Saint Paul.

The third annual Unify University Community Parade, which has travelled down University Avenue in the past, zigged along the north and then zagged to the south all to Unify University.

Sidney McFarland was among the spectators in the neighborhood.  He said, "I just love crowds of people just love seeing people get together."

Parade co-chair John Slade, a community organizer with Habitat for Humanity said, "This parade is about unity in the neighborhood that is kind of being divided by the light rail."

Light rail construction on University Avenue has not only affected businesses in the corridor, it has made it tough to cross the street separating those north and south.

That's why Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, the Aurora/Saint Anthony Neighborhood Development Corporation and the Center for Hmong Arts and Talent brought neighbors together for this parade.

Parade co-chair, Vaughn Larry with the Aurora/St. Anthony Neighborhood Development Corporation said, "This is a ways to an end and it also brings people here to celebrate what we have.  We have a lot of diversity, we have a lot of good restaurants, we have a lot of good people."

Parade organizers wrapped it up with open mic, talking about the great businesses in their neighborhood now.

Matt Haugen, spokesperson with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity said, "It's just such a great lively thriving area."

Neighbors are looking forward to University Avenue being even more vibrant when light rail does come through.  Still, it won't be complete until 2014, and they expect this year to be the toughest year for road construction.  So that's why this year's parade to Unify University is especially important to keep the community strong.

Besides putting on the parade, Unify University helps connect various groups along the University Avenue corridor throughout the year.

It says it doesn't want light rail to divide their community the way I-94

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