Christmas Parade To Usher In The Holiday Season

BY FRANCINE FULTON

After being canceled in 2020 because of the pandemic, the Coatesville Christmas Parade will return to usher in the holiday season on Saturday, Dec. 4, beginning at 10 a.m. The parade will travel on Lincoln Highway (Business Route 30), starting at Strode Avenue and ending at the performance and judging area at 11th Avenue and Lincoln Highway.

“We are really excited,” said parade committee member Marianne Bassett, who said the committee was very disappointed to have to cancel the event last year. “It’s great to put a smile on (people’s) faces for one day.”

The parade’s grand marshal will a representaive from Brandywine Valley Active Aging (BVAA), formerly known as the Coatesville Senior Center.

Returning performers in this year’s parade will include the Lukens Band, the Coatesville Area High School Red Raiders Marching Band, the Reilly Raiders Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps, the Philadelphia Eagles Pep Band and Sixers Stixers from the West Powelton Drummers, which is the official drum line of the Philadelphia 76ers.

New this year will be an appearance by Miss Pennsylvania, Meghan Sinisi. Parade attendees can also expect to see elementary, middle and high school groups, along with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, dance academies, cheerleading groups, hip-hop dancers, baton twirlers and cartoon characters.

“A lot of fire companies and police bring all their (vehicles),” said Bassett. “The parade is at least two hours long.” She noted that fire companies will not be permitted to hand out candy this year.

The parade will end with a special appearance by Santa Claus, who will be riding on a Coatesville Fire Department truck.

The parade will include an automotive competition as well as other contests, including Best Appearing Fire Apparatus, Best Appearing Police Vehicle and Best Appearing Float.

The all-volunteer parade committee generally raises funds year round by gathering donations and holding fundraisers, but events and sponsoring opportunities were limited this year because of the pandemic. Penn Medicine is the major sponsor of this year’s parade.

In the event of inclement weather in the forecast, a decision will be made on Thursday, Dec. 2, about the status of the parade. Cancellations will be listed at www.coatesville christmasparade.com and on the “Coatesville Christmas Parade Inc.” Facebook page. Santa Claus, riding on a Coatesville Fire Department truck, will be the finale of the Coatesville Christmas Parade.

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