Kick Off the 4th of July at the Marple Newtown Parade

Our Community by Holly Stupak

Photos courtesy of Merrie Staurowsky

Celebrating the birth of our nation is one of America’s favorite holidays filled with traditional family picnics, barbecues and fireworks. Here in Marple Newtown, a Fourth of July celebration would not be complete without our annual parade of fantastic bands, decorated floats, first responders and much more. It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday and celebrate our freedom!

On Monday July 4th, grab your lawn chairs and flags and find a good seat along the parade route. The parade starts at St Albans Circle and continues eastbound on West Chester Pike to the Broomall Fire Company. For individuals sensitive to loud sounds, there will be a quiet zone, where sirens and blowing air sounds are prohibited, that will stretch a short distance along West Chester Pike from Evergreen Ave to Ann Rd in Broomall. "We want as many people as possible to enjoy the parade,” said Jan Ceton, Chairman of the Parade committee.

Also back by popular demand are the Whoa Phat Brass Band and the Marching Cobras Drumline from Harlem who performed last year to rave reviews. Mary Jo Hamilton is the committee’s band coordinator and is excited to welcome back popular bands as well as add some new ones. Be on the lookout for the Bushwackers Drum and Bugle Corps, an all-age drum corps, and the Spirit of Slim ‘76.

It’s really fun to find new bands who want to come play in our hometown,” said Mary Jo. “And on the day of the parade, it’s so fun to see how it all comes together.

Jan said that he received a lot of positive feedback from the community in 2021 about the musical additions.

Many people told me it was the best parade yet!” he added. “We’re happy to be bringing back these bands that so many spectators enjoyed.

Members of the Marple Newtown Fourth of July Committee at the Thunderbird Pizza Fundraiser

Aside from the musical entertainment, the parade is a great opportunity for local clubs and individuals to show off their creativity with decorated floats and costumes. Merrie Staurowsky, Parade Committee Vice Chair said that every year she is amazed by the creativity. “Some of these floats, especially the hand-drawn ones, really knock your socks off!”

Speaking of creativity, for the third year in a row the committee is sponsoring the Red, White and You! contest. What started as a way to unite the communities during the COVID-19 pandemic has become a fun tradition for residents and businesses to show off their patriotic spirit. Last year the committee received more than 50 entries and gave out awards for categories like “Most Patriotic” and “Best Balcony.” This year, entries can be received up until June 27th and judging will begin on June 29th.

The parade committee table for T-shirt sales at the Newtown Square Fire Company Flea Market

The Marple Newtown Fourth of July Parade and Red, White and You! contest would not be possible without the parade committee members who spend much of the year fundraising and planning. Part of this year’s planning also included meeting with the Glenside Parade Committee to exchange ideas.

The Glenside Parade is one of the oldest Independence Day parades in the nation,” explained Jan. “It’s been a neat partnership. We’ve gotten a lot of great ideas from them and they have taken some of ours as well.

To offset the cost of the parade, the committee relies on donations from the bucket brigade as well as fundraisers and t-shirt sales throughout the year. “It’s because of the generosity of the Marple residents, sponsors and grants that we are able to provide the community with a spectacular parade,” said Jan. The committee was especially grateful to Thunderbird Pizza, who held an “Eat Pizza on the 4th to Support the 4th Pizza Fundraiser” this past April. Not only was it a fun evening and a great opportunity to sell this year’s parade t-shirts, but Thunderbird Pizza also generously donated proceeds from the pizza sales to the 2022 parade.

Another source of funding is the commemorative booklet where local businesses, clubs and organizations can place an ad to show their community support.

Marple Newtown is able to continue this tradition year after year thanks to these individuals and businesses,” said Leigh Ann Coary, a member of the parade committee. “As new and younger families move to Broomall, I’m proud that the parade is such a big part of this community and will continue for years to come!

Leigh Ann said as a longtime Broomall resident she can’t imagine spending the Fourth of July any other way.

For more info. visit www.MarpleNewtownParade.com and like their Facebook page at @MarpleNewtownFourthOfJulyParade.