Parade is music to the ears
Family favorites like horses, fire trucks, bands and, of course, Santa will highlight the 42nd annual Spirit of Christmas Parade.
Starting at 10 a.m. Friday, more than 100 entrants once again will parade down Main Street. The theme this year is "Christmas Carols," which entrants must use if they want to be judged for prizes.
Again this year The Butler Eagle and Embarq are sponsoring the event.
"One of the reasons we sponsor the parade is it brings so much joy for children and adults, too," said Theresa Brick, Embarq public affairs manager, who will serve as master of ceremonies along with Ron Vodenichar, general manager of The Butler Eagle.
"It's such a good opportunity for them to get together and make memories."Starting out the parade will be a police escort, color guard and sheriff's posse.Grand marshal for this year's parade will be the Butler Township Little League team. During the summer, they became the first Butler County team to win a Little League state championship and represent Pennsylvania in the Little League World Series.The parade will set out going south on Main at Penn Street. The reviewing stand will be on the diamond across from the courthouse, where each group will stop to perform its routine.Because the groups will set out from Penn Avenue and proceed south, Penn Street between McKean and Washington streets and Main Street from Penn to Pearl streets will close at 8:30 a.m. In addition, Main Street from Pearl south through Wayne Street will close at 9:30 a.m.As he has for many years, Harry Glenn will be at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Main Street to help entrants gathering for the parade.High school bands performing will include those from Butler, Moniteau and Allegheny-Clarion Valley. The Flames and Flickers and General Butler Vagabonds will also perform.
Three or four fire companies are expected.Santa will receive visitors at the Penn Theater after the parade.All entrants will receive a framed certificate.Community groups are eligible for cash awards for best overall, most original, best theme and best appearance.Commercial entries will compete for a best commercial float trophy, including a photo and article in The Butler Eagle.Before the parade, Butler Eagle representatives will be handing out a special section of the newspaper that includes Santa letters and coloring contest entries."My hope for the parade day is that it's not so cold like last year," Brick said. "Really I hope we get a nice crowd because I think they'll be very impressed with the parade this year. There's been so much work that goes on behind the scenes. The parade is a great way to kick off the holidays with spirit."
