Highland Park kicks off July 4 festivities with annual parade

UPPER DARBY » Frank Donnelly has watched the Highland Park 4th of July parade as long as he can remember. He has lived on the same street in Upper Darby for 80 years. Many know him as the mayor of Highland Park. Donnelly, who served as a patrolman in Upper Darby and then worked at Donohue Funeral Home for 42 years, was the grand marshal this year. His grandsons Jack and Sean Donnelly rode with him in the lead car.

“It’s a great feeling,” Donnelly said. “I probably have been at every parade since it started. I am glad it has continued but it’s a shame we aren’t getting the crowds we used to,” noted Donnelly, a grandfather of 17.

The possible threat of threat of thunderstorms or new construction at Park Avenue may have kept some people from coming out, but those who did had a chance to win trophies and ribbons for their participation at Highland Park Fire Company.

Young and old tossed water balloons at each other attempting to catch them. Whether you caught them, tossed them or they exploded on you or the ground, everyone enjoyed the opportunity to cool off on a hot, muggy, humid July 1.

Vince Sylvestri has been a member of the Highland Park Fire Company. He coordinated the parade and Family Fun Day at the firehouse. He has been involved with the parade for 25 years, back when he first became a member in 1992.

“I like seeing the kids having fun. They don’t get to throw water balloons often,” said Sylvestri.

The Highland Park Parade is over 100 years old. It is one of three parades in the township, Aronimink Pilgrim Gardens Association, which was held June 24, and Drexel Park, which will be on July 4 at 10 a.m.

The Upper Darby Fireworks extravaganza takes place Monday, July 3 at Upper Darby High School featuring Chico’s Vibe and Upper Darby’s Shooting Stars. Admission is $4. Gates open at 7 p.m.

ANNE NEBORAK – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Harman Pabla 6, rides his decorated bike as his sister Maneet, 12, walks along waving the flag.

ANNE NEBORAK – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Elizabeth Yohannes holds up the award that she won in the water balloon fight at the Highland Park Parade and Family Fun Day in Upper Darby.

ANNE NEBORAK – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Andrew and Lexi Knese sit on Firefighter Dylan Cullen before the parade.

ANNE NEBORAK – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Ready to throw a water balloon is Lexi Knese.

ANNE NEBORAK – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Swkhder Kaur watches the Highland Park Parade onMEDIA Cedar Lane.

ANNE NEBORAK – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Vince Sylvestri, a member of the Highland Park Fire Company, explains the rules of the Water Balloon fight after the Highland Park parade. Family Fun Day at the firehouse is part of the Fourth of July festivities.