Hundreds line street for Saxonburg's Holiday Parade
SAXONBURG — Despite freezing and snowy weather, hundreds of spectators lined Main Street in Saxonburg on Friday for its annual Holiday Parade.
Featured in the parade was Knoch High School Band, with its dance team dressed in Santa-like gear. Various Girl Scout troops; local businesses, such as Sprankle's Neighborhood Market; and religious organizations had floats that lit up the night. Multiple characters, such as Yogi Bear, were working the crowd, and there were multiple Grinches, one even driving a tractor pulling a train of carts with children in them.
Hope Hull of Saxonburg said this is her and her family's 10th year attending the parade.“Our extended family comes for Thanksgiving from (Washington) D.C. and New York City,” Hull said. “All they want to do is come to the parade.”Hull said her favorite parts of the event were the Knoch band's instruments lined with Christmas lights and the live animals. This year, the parade featured alpacas.Laurel Hull, 15, said her favorite part of the parade also was the band.“It's cool I get to see people I know,” Laurel said.Alto saxophone instrumentalist Kylie said this is her second performance in the parade.“I like seeing all the happy people,” she said.Maria, a senior at Knoch and a trumpet player, said the parade is the best way to ring in the holiday season.“It's nice to see people excited,” Maria said. “This is what ignites the Christmas spirit after Thanksgiving.”To end the event, Santa and Mrs. Claus waved to paradegoers from their horse-drawn carriage. Freezing attendees scrambled into shops, which were encouraged to remain open prior to and following the parade by Saxonburg Borough.
