Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
SANTA ARRIVES
Christmas spirit: 30,000 turn out for Old Fashioned Christmas Parade in West Chester Other activities: Hundreds of runners competed in the Elf Run just before the parade
WEST CHESTER » A steady drizzle didn’t stop more than 30,000 people who came out to witness Santa’s arrival to town at the 35th annual Old Fashioned Christmas parade.
“We loved the parade, Santa was the best part,” said Dee Bostic, who watched the parade with her sister, Corryn.
Corryn said her favorite part was watching the 12 marching bands that participated.
“It was fantastic, absolutely wonderful,” said Cathy Deaville, who has lived in West Chester since 1998. Her husband, David, said he enjoyed watching the performance of the West Chester University band, whose next performance will be in the 2015 Macy’s Day Parade in New York City.
The 2013 Marching Band Grand Champion, Royersford’s Spring-Ford High, led the parade as Honor Band, followed by bands from West Chester’s Henderson and Rustin; Avon Grove, Downingtown, Bishop Shanahan, Owen J. Roberts, Chichester, Octorara and Daniel Boone Area High Schools, Jackson Liberty, Marple Newtown, Springfield (delco), Pottsgrove and A.I. Du Pont.
Shawn Oloughlin said he has watched the parade for 13 straight years, and said this year’s was one of the best, despite the rain.
“It was awesome and we just loved it,” he said. His daughter, Gracie, said her favorite part of the parade was when Santa arrived.
The parade, sponsored by
MARS Drinks and QVC, was hosted by the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce. Many people stopped by the MARS booth to get a cup of free hot chocolate. Popcorn and hot dogs were also given out to anyone who asked.
The parade featured more than 5,000 participants, including a procession of f loats as well as high school and college marching bands and concluded with Santa Claus making his annual appearance.
QVC program host Albany Irvin provided live commentary, along with Channel 6’s Adam Joseph, emcee. QVC program hosts Nancy Hornback and Alberti Popaj emceed the preparade festivities. The parade will also featured QVC program hosts Mary Beth Roe, Kerstin Lindquist and Courtney Cason.
Many county officials were on hand to view the festivities.
“I have been going to parades since I was commissioner in 1992,” said state Sen. Andrew Dinniman. “They have been getting better and better here. It’s very enjoyable, and it’s only spritzing a little, but just look how crowded it is.”
“Our Old Fashioned Christmas Parade is a West Chester tradition that gets better every year,” said West Chester Mayor Carolyn Comitta.
Parade goers visited QVC’s Holiday Village and sampled Cheryl’s Cookies while being serenaded by the QVC Singers.
Hundreds of runners competed in the Elf Run just before the parade kicked off, and despite the wet street, there were no injuries.
The event has been ranked as one of the “top 10 places to experience the arrival of Santa Claus during the holiday season” according to USA Today.
The entire parade will be broadcast live on the QVC Network on Christmas Day.