Thousands attend 22nd annual Havertown Day

HAVERFORD TOWNSHIP » Thousands of people took to the streets of Brookline and Oakmont to celebrate the 22nd annual Havertown Day Saturday. The theme of the day was “Proud of Our Parks,” celebrating the 33 parks in the township. The grand marshal for the parade was Wilbur Clevens, who served as a volunteer on the township Park Advisory Board for 25 years as well as a volunteer coach and board member for the Haverford Township Little league for more than 20 years. At noon, immediately following the parade, other members of the community who have made a significant contribution to improving the parks were recognized.

The day started with a fun run, followed by the traditional parade from Manoa Shopping Center. Dozens of volunteer groups including Boy and Girl Scouts, sports teams and seniors from groups like the Quadrangle took part.

Visitors had the chance to get a free flu shot from nurses at Delaware County Memorial Hospital or to pick up a craft from the more than 200 vendors and food booths. Many of the booths are run by area nonprofits such as Scout troops and the day is a major fundraiser for the local troops.

There was music throughout the day on three stages, children’s rides, a zip line, and free ice skating at the Skatium.

“Twenty-two years and we’ve never had a rainout,” said Haverford Police Chief John Viola.

When asked about the trash trucks which could be seen blocking access to the streets near the festivities, Viola said, “We’ve enhanced safety. We have 35 officers in attendance for a safe experience.”

Viola also said costs for the day’s events and manpower are recouped from the selling of sponsorships and booth space.

PETE BANNAN – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Wilbur Clevens, the grand marshal for this year’s parade, served as a volunteer on the township Park Advisory Board for 25 years as well as a volunteer coach and board member for the Haverford Township Little league for more than 20 years.

PETE BANNAN – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Mickey, Sparky and Spiderman wait for the start of the 22nd Havertown Day parade.

PETE BANNAN – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Navy veteran Robert Hall of American Legion Post 338 hands out flags to visitors to Havertown Day along Darby Road.

PETE BANNAN – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Llanerch firefighter Darin Garner and Colton Millison enjoy a ride on the firetruck during the 22nd Havertown Day parade.

PETE BANNAN – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Mike Cordone of Havertown gets his free flu shot from RN Rose Agostini. Nurses from Delaware County Memorial Hospital were offering the free shots, as they have at past Havertown Days.

PETE BANNAN – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA The Haverford Township police honor guard led the 22nd Havertown Day parade.