PARADE KICKS OFF HOLIDAY SEASON

Tens of thousands attend annual event in borough

WEST CHESTER >> USA Today called West Chester’s Christmas celebration “one of the top-ten places to experience the arrival of Santa Claus during the holiday season,” and for good reason. Tens of thousands of people flocked to West Chester Friday night for a view of one of the finest parades anywhere in the region.

The parade is the traditional kick off to the holiday season in West Chester.

Parade-goers got a view of marching bands from as far away as New York, dancers, inflatables, businesses, volunteers, fire companies, floats, ambulances, antique cars, politicians, twirlers and more. Twenty-two marching bands performed in the two-hour parade.

Suzanne Quigley, director of Corporate Responsibility for Qurate Retail Group, which includes QVC, said the West Chester Christmas Parade officially kicks off the holiday season.

“We are committed to bringing help and hope to those in need and giving back in our communities,” she said. “For QVC, the West Chester Christmas Parade is a wonderful way

to bring our local community together to connect in the spirit of the holidays while also showcasing what a wonderful place West Chester is to live, work and play.”

QVC broadcasted the parade live, on-site. The company will also film extended parade highlights that will be broadcast periodically during Christmas Day.

Master of Ceremonies for the parade was 6abc’s Adam Joseph, along with QVC hosts.

Many local businesses and organizations throughout downtown West Chester hosted Holiday Open Houses featuring seasonal refreshments and entertainment. Before the parade began, runners and walkers of all ages participated in the 10th Annual Jingle Elf Run and Walk.

Employees at DNB First were on hand to collect change for the Salvation Army at the parade.

“The West Chester Christmas Parade is truly a special event that we look forward to each year,” said Katie Martin, marketing program manager at DNB First. “For the past few years, we’ve partnered with The Salvation Army to ring the bells for their Red Kettle Drive during the parade and help kick off the holiday season.”

Martin said the money that parade-goers dropped into the kettle will go to help the needy.

“I’m always impressed how the parade evokes the spirit of the season and the spirit of giving,” she said. “This is The Salvation Army’s main fundraiser and one that is very near and dear to our hearts. Proceeds help local families in need, and fund Christmas gifts for children who might not otherwise receive any. We were delighted to have so many DNB First team members volunteer to ring the bells before and during the parade and to be a part of this wonderful event.”

FRAN MAYE - DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Bishop Shanahan students perform at the West Chester Christmas Parade Friday night.

FRAN MAYE - DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA The Octorara High School Marching Band performs in the West Chester Christmas Parade Friday night.

FRAN MAYE - DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA The weather was perfect for Friday night’s West Chester Christmas Parade.

FRAN MAYE - DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA There were plenty of inflatables at the West Chester Christmas Parade.

SUBMITTED PHOTO The Downingtown High School Marching Band performs in the West Chester Christmas Parade.

FRAN MAYE - DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Confetti takes to the air during the West Chester Christmas Parade.

FRAN MAYE - DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Young and old attended Friday night’s West Chester Christmas Parade.

FRAN MAYE - DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Twenty-two marching bands from as far away as New York performed in the West Chester Christmas Parade.

FRAN MAYE - DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Bishop Shanahan students perform in the West Chester Christmas Parade.