Annual parade welcomes the Christmas season with cheer and joy
By Brittany Smith, Correspondent, The Times
Although the weather was damp, spirits were high during Saturday’s annual Coatesville Christmas Parade, featuring, as always, Santa Claus, marking the true beginning of the holiday season in the city.
COATESVILLE — Despite the accurate forecast of rainy conditions, the city’s annual Christmas Parade kicked of the holiday season with good spirits and cheer.
Led by local fire companies blaring their horns and throwing candy to children the parade marched down Lincoln Highway at 10am with many spectators excited for the morning entertainment. Setting the tone for the parade were the multiple generations of Meistersingers singing Christmas carols in unison.
The thousands of children were greeted by characters including The Cat in the Hat, Captain America, The Grinch and many more giving high fives and holiday treats. Many floats, including the East Fallowfield Elementary School’s ‘A Despicable Christmas’, paved the route shouting “Merry Christmas” and waving to the many families in attendance.
Various generation of Meistersingers from Coatesville Area High School led signing of Christma carols as they marched in the parade.
Music seemed to be the greatest hit this season at the parade. Families not only had the chance to hear Christmas carols but also enjoyed the sounds and costume of many string bands including the Polish American, Quaker City, Avalon and Duffy String bands.
“A side from handing out snacks and hot chocolate to those in attendance, I’d have to say my favorite part of the parade was the music and the entertainment of the string bands.” said Amy Somerfield, a member of the Friends of the Coatesville Library.
Of course, the parade would not be a success without the representation of the Coatesville Area High School. The Red Raiders entertained the crowd in many forms from cheers and musical sounds. You could hear the loud sounds of the drums and horns coming down the street from miles away.
The Coatesville Area High School Marching band was on hand, as well.
“My favorite part every year is the Coatesville Area High School Marching Band!” said Stephanie Brightman, a mother of a marching band member.
Also in attendance spreading holiday cheer were local politicians including Harry Lewis and the City of Coatesville Police. All of the great efforts of those in attendance were in order to welcome Santa Claus to the city of Coatesville.
The Coatesville Christmas Parade started in the 1970’s. Although the parade took a short hiatus, since the 1990’s the parade has become an annual tradition with the help of many musical bands, city officials, floats, school groups and sponsors. The parade most certainly could not be a success without the continuous support of the Coatesville community every year.
The Coatesville Area High School’s Junior Air Force ROTC unit was also on hand.
“Every year my family participates in the 5k run prior to the parade, then we watch the parade as a family and go home and play holiday bingo and other games. It’s a tradition for us.” said the Butcher Family
Sponsors of the 2014 Coatesville Christmas parade include The City of Coatesville Pennsylvania, The Williams Group, Pennsylvania American Water, Krapf’s Coaches, Courtyard Marriott, Brandywine Health Foundation, Polish American Citizens Club, 3cTV Live.com and West End Fire Company #3.
