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Let Freedom Ring
Congratulations to All Winners In the 4th of July Parade! by Sheila Turner-Hilliard Photos courtesy of the 4th of July Parade Committee The reviews are in: The 2022 Marple Newtown 4th of July Parade was one for the record books! The weather was perfect, the streets were packed with people, and the excitement in the air was electric. Praise and thanks to the Parade Committee flooded their Facebook page just minutes after the conclusion. Words used to describe the event were “spectacular,” “the best one yet,” and “absolutely perfect.” This year’s parade Grand Marshall was William (Bill) Greco Jr. Bill is the co-owner of The Original Thunderbird Steakhouse which was founded in 1956 by his grandfather, Salvatore and his father, William Sr. Bill and his brother Tom are proud to be part of our community and continually support our Marple Newtown 4th of July Parade as well as charitable causes to help those in need throughout Marple Newtown. Best of Parade winner Newtown Square Presbyterian Church
Spectators were entertained by marching bands such as Mersey-British Rock Invasion and the Spirit of Slim 76. And returning to the parade this year was The Marching Cobras Drumline and Danceline from New York. South Philly’s WhoaPhat Brass Band and the Bushwackers Drum and Bugle Corps from New Jersey got the crowd up on their feet and our community marching bands, fire companies and first responders joined in the fun. Local businesses, community clubs and neighborhood residents did not disappoint with their decorated floats and marching groups. But it was the little ones who stole the show with their creative and festively decorated strollers, wagons, hand-drawn floats and bikes. The award for Best of Parade was Newtown Square Presbyterian Church whose decorated float earned them the largest trophy of the day.
Tom Greco, co-owner of The Original Thunderbird Steakhouse with his brother, Bill Greco who was the Grand Marshall of the parade
The parade ended with a celebration of our great country. Volunteers were on hand to serve pretzels, ice pops and water. The crowd gathered to listen to The Marple Newtown Community Band play our National Anthem, after which the awards ceremony began. Medals and trophies were given to the top three entries in each division, and their names and photos will be featured in the 2023 parade commemorative book. Congratulations to All of the Winners! SMALL FLOAT 1st: Newtown Township Republican Party; 2nd: Generation Quinn; 3rd: Newtown Edgmont Little League. MEDIUM FLOAT 1st: Newtown Square Presbyterian Church; 2nd: Marple Newtown Democratic Party; 3rd: Operation Christmas Child. LARGE FLOAT 1st: Boy Scouts Troop 122; 2nd: Marple Township Little League; 3rd: Marple Republican Party. COMMERCIAL FLOAT 1st: The Giant Company; 2nd: Charming Star Playroom; 3rd: Rose Tree Woods Swim Club. MARCHING GROUP 1st: Art in Motion Dance Studio; 2nd: From the Top Studio of Dance; 3rd: Marple Civic Youth Association
Winner of the Most Spectacular Red, White and YOU! decorating contest 28
Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors
BIKE BRIGADE (Group) 1st: Evak Family. (Individual) 3 & Under 1st: Evan Oelkers; 2nd: Daniel Johnson; 3rd: Rose Spiro. Age 4 1st: Juliette Tripp; 2nd: Daviana Long. Age 5 1st: Beckett Kern; 2nd: Laura Vergara. Age 6 1st: Taylor McDonald; August 2022
