Coatesville Christmas Parade, 2011

We volunteered for the parade this year, helping the C’ville policeman on a sequeway —who got good-naturedly teased all day as “mall cop”  direct traffic at the end of the route.  It was a front row seat and a great time.  Deb loved her stylin’ holiday-themed striped vest, getting hugged by the Phillie Phanatic, digging on the cheerleader and dance routines, and chattin’ with Chewbaca (Chewie to me).    Greg loved getting kissed and hugged by the Phanatic,  seeing all the great entertainment including the Red Raiders Marching Band and cheerleaders, which was being judge just down the way from where we were stationed.  We saw the marvelous Meistersingers do a sweet job, and it all made us proud to be from Coatesville.  Such a diverse group of people live in this area.  It really IS a city.

Other nifty items:  Old cars and cycles, A  monster monster truck, mummers whose costumes looked so much more beautiful and glittery in the sparkling sun live than on the tube in January.   Interesting hand-made floats, heartbeaking scenes that gave us a tear or two, kids having a blast, little ballet stars  throwing in funk moves and hip hop steps in their tutus.  The excitement of the crowd lining the pavement was a unifying theme.  Everyone got along and were friendly.  Thanks to Greg DiPedro, Sue Young, and esp. Karol Collins who got us involved. Also the West End Fire Hall for their hospitality.   What a complex event to put together.  Great job everyone! 

Photo credit shout-outs to Karol Collins, and that photogenic artist-about-town, Dave Eastburn.