Santa, George Washington to highlight Christmas parade
YARDLEY BOROUGH loves a parade.
On Saturday, Dec. 1 from 3W30 to 5 p.m., downtown Yardley will come alive with the sights and sounds of the Yardley Christmas Parade.
The parade will depart from American Legion Post 317 on South Main Street and continue north on Main Street through the intersection at Afton Ave. and Main Street to the Friends Meetinghouse on North Main Street.
String bands and bagpipes will entertain parade goers. Fire engines will delight the children. Belgian draft horses will trot by the crowded sidewalks.
And of course, Santa will be in the parade. The Pennsbury High School MarchLng BDnG wLOO VHUYH DV 6DnWD’V RffiFLDO SDrade escort.
After the parade, everyone will have a chance to visit with Santa at the Yardley Community Centre on South Main Street.
The Yardley Business Association (YBAF, sponsor of the parade, has invited local businesses and residents to be part of the holiday revelry with decorated FDUV, ERDWV, flRDWV, HWF.
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Margaret Bork, president of the YBA, said that Yardley is all about tradition due to its storied history.
“Tradition is about family and friends,” Bork said. “The parade brings family and friends of all ages together as it offers something for everyone, egardless of age.”
The parade draws more than 1,000 people to downtown Yardley. The community spirit is always alive and well at the parade. People love to mingle with family, see old friends on South Main Street and simply watch the parade go by.
Of course the highlight of the parade for the little ones is when they see Santa Claus. Seeing George Washington himself is always an exciting experience for young and old alike.
Bracken Cadets, Pipes and Drums of the Atlantic Watch, Archer-Eppler Drum and Bugle Corps, Uptown String Band and Pennsbury High School Long Orange Line will all perform during the parade.
Life-sized costumed cartoon characters, including Cookie Monster, Bobee,
- Everyone Elmo, Grinch, Winnie the Pooh, SpongeBob Squarepants (Bork’s favoriteF, Cat in the Hat, Woody, Batman, Scooby Doo, Taz and of course, Shrek will entertain the children.
The Christmas parade helps business in the community.
“Pre- and post-parade, people are in town to eat and shop and stroll,” Bork said. “These are people who may not come into town on a regular basis and the parade offers them the chance to catch up on what’s new in town.”
She said Yardley Borough has a great variety of eateries.
“, wRuOG gR VR fDU DV WR VDy WhDW YDUGley is becoming a dining destination,” she said. “From formal to casual, you can SUREDEOy finG LW hHUH Ln WRwn.”
Bork said the businesses offer a “unique selection” of products and serYLFHV. ,n DGGLWLRn, WhHUH LV HxWUD DWWHnWLRn to customer service as
most of the businesses are small businesses, as opposed to chains.
“When you stop in, you are more than likely to be greeted by the owner or a very longtime employee,” Bork said. “They not only remember you, but always want to be sure you receive the best service possible. Their caring is sincere and that makes people want to come back.”
“The YBA is more than just a business DVVRFLDWLRn,” BRUN VDLG. “,W LV DOVR D FRPmunity association. They work hand-inhand. There is no business without the community and there is no community without local business.”
Bork notes that on the same day as the Christmas parade, there is the fundraising FRnFHUW DW 0DNHfiHOG HLghODnGV WR EHnHfiW victims of Hurricane Sandy. The event runs from 7 - 11 p.m.
“What a great way to begin the holiday season!” Bork said.
To learn more about the parade, contact the YBA at yba@yardleybusiness.com