Borough hosts a holiday extravaganza

Thousands line Third Street to watch event

OXFORD » Anyone looking for a good Halloween parade was well satisfied in Oxford on Thursday.

Year after year Jim McLeod’s two-hour October extravaganza up Third Street is the largest one in Chester County, and this year was no exception.

Between 3,000 and 5,000 spectators lined the streets, many of them in costume and several dozen holding bundled infants in their arms. With just a slight nip in the air, the weather was good to the marchers and watchers.

Hundreds of participants processed up the road including Oxford senior high classes with floats, scores of dancers, individuals in fancy garb, businesses, local bands and various organizations.

When he was asked how he attracted so many people to the event, McLeod, who also heads the Oxford Area Senior Center, said, “It just happens.”

He added that he sends out e-mails to everyone who has ever participated and they just spread the word around through churches, schools, newspapers and businesses.

This year when they signed up, they had to promise not to throw candy at the procession.

Nonetheless, the group from Herr Foods gently handed out bags of snack potato chips from representatives walking beside its truck.

In previous years the judges’ stand sat on Third Street at its east intersection with Route 472 that heads toward West Grove.

This year, however, they moved it to the Third and 472 at the northern end of town.

McLeod said it gave more room for spectators and performers and prevented the backup of viewers at the lower point from previous years.

CHRIS BARBER Members of the Oxford Center for Dance perform a Red Riding Hood routine at the Oxford Halloween Parade on Thursday.

CHRIS BARBER Members of KMC Dance and Gymnastics perform at the Oxford Halloween parade on Thursday.