Join the Parade!

HISTORY SPOTLIGHT written by and photos courtesy of Doug Humes

Newtown and Marple Townships have been hosting a 4th of July Parade since at least 1946. The Marple parade in those early years was sponsored by the Broomall Business Association, and Nelson Leroy Kirk was one of the original founders. The many others who have contributed over the years have been lost to time.

In the mid-1950s, the townships joined forces under the auspices of the Marple Newtown Jaycees. The parade events grew to include a flag-raising ceremony, fire trucks, local and regional marching bands, floats and decorated bikes, Little Leaguers, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and politicians in convertibles. The events continued at night, with live music (a Hootenanny in 1964!), fireworks, and speeches by visiting dignitaries such as U.S. Senator Hugh Scott.

By 1985, the Jaycees organization had dwindled to just a few members, and the parade was threatened with cancellation due to lack of organizers. Businessmen from each community came together, to breathe new life into the parade, and it continues to be one of the largest parades in Delaware County.

“Condiments” holding the banner

When I moved to the area in 1991, I started attending the parade with my children, and noticed in particular a neighborhood group, the Marvelous Marchers, having a great time doing silly themes each year. Once they marched in beachwear with beach chairs and did a synchronized routine of unfolding and sitting down in their chairs.

I was fortunate enough to become friends with several of the group’s members, and for five years, my family marched with the Marvelous Marchers.

Dogs at attention for the National Anthem

We marched as giant fish, as hillbillies, and in my favorite year, the men were all “Guys Named Frank” (Sinatra, Rizzo, etc.) – wearing giant foam hot dog costumes.

Maureen Hagarty dancing with “a guy named Frank”

Our wives were dressed as chefs, and our kids as condiments. By then, I had risen to serve as the group’s choreographer, and I have fond memories of watching my artistic vision play out as the “evens” leaned right and “odds” leaned left, a long line of oversized hot dogs along the Pike, swaying to the music blasting out of my Jeep. We won first prize that year, an event that I and my family will always remember!

Rob Hagarty “hot dogging”!

The award-winning Marvelous Marchers!

Unfortunately, the Coronavirus is raining on this year’s annual parade, which has been canceled. Plan on joining us for the July 4, 2021 parade, and making memories for your family that will last a lifetime!

For more history on Newtown Square, Delaware County, and membership information, please visit the Newtown Square Historical Society’s website:

www.HistoricNewtownSquare.org