Everybody likes a parade, especially when it features a bit of nostalgia.
On Saturday, May 21, some of that nostalgia will be on display as Boyertown’s 150th anniversary parade marches through town.
Keeping a tradition begun with the town’s centennial celebration in 1966, the parade will wend its way up Philadelphia Avenue and will showcase local “celebrities” including the centennial queen, Jude Neiman, Boyertown Mayor Marianne Deery, and Dolly Rhoads Moyer, daughter of Paul Rhodes, chairman of the centennial celebration.
Dignitaries will be driven in cars from the 60s era on loan from local car clubs. Deborah Bertolet, executive director of the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles, says the museum plans to lend out several vehicles, including a 1952 Masano, designed by local car dealer Tom Masano, a 1913 SVG touring car and a 1942 Ford army jeep.
Parade organizers Lynn Levan and Donald Frey began strategizing and planning in January, wanting to incorporate the town’s storied past into an event that also celebrates the future. “My whole vision is how far Boyertown has come, but I felt it imperative to incorporate our youth since our youth are the future of Boyertown,” Frey said.
Leading the parade will be Grand Marshal Stephanie Grace, the 19-year old singing sensation and Boyertown High School graduate. Following Grace down the parade route will be numerous local groups, including the United Way, YMCA and Boyertown’s Salvation Army. The Boyertown Alumni Marching Unit will appear along with bands from both junior highs and the high school.
The parade will start at 1 p.m. at the Boyertown High School and will head up Monroe Street to Philadelphia Avenue, where it will loop onto Reading Avenue, down Third Street, and then back to Monroe and the school.
Immediately preceding the parade will be a 1.2-mile fun run sponsored by the Wellness Council of Boyertown in cooperation with Building a Better Boyertown. Registration of $15 will take place at the high school on the day of the event or online at boyertownwellness.org. All participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt and mini flag.
Also new to this anniversary celebration will be the block party following the parade. Slated from 3 to 9 p.m., the party will feature an antique steam locomotive secured by the Colebrookdale Railroad. Vendors and craftsman will line the tracks and numerous demonstrations will be held throughout the afternoon and evening. Admission to the block party is free.
The 150th celebration will kick off with the Time Capsule Opening on Friday, May 19, at 6 p.m. at Boyertown Community Park.
