Elverson loves a Halloween parade and this year’s theme Under the Big Top wowed the crowd.
“Elverson’s Main Street was transformed into a three-ring circus Wednesday evening, Oct. 18, as the Borough’s 18th annual Halloween Parade marched Under the Big Top. Spectators lined up along the one-mile parade route, thankful that this year it did not rain on their parade,” said Jody Phillips, parade committee member.
“The whole town comes out for this,” said Roseann Thomas, chair of the judges, “It is the best parade around since 1972!”
The parade was a magical success this year with a record number of adults and children vying for the best spots along the parade route.
Before the parade, Elverson’s own Johnny Cash Barnett entertained everyone with Johnny Cash favorites at Elverson Supply, then rode off in the back of a truck to join the parade.
American Legion #537 Color Guard led off the parade. Strike up the bands! Marching feet, grinding floats wheels, and the whir of bikes added to the excitant of the night and the Big Top. People ooed and ahhed as the parade strutted its stuff down the entire length of the town.
“Participants waved to the crowds, handing out candy to eager children, as they vied for prizes in six categories. The perfect weather and the new additions to the food and entertainment venues were probably at least partly responsible for the record turnout,” said Phillips.
Esther Prosser, who headed up the parade committee, says a big thank you to Mary Frazier one of this year’s judges, for the use of her property for the Judges Stand. Roseann Thomas, Judges Chair, organized the judges that also included Nora Fillmore and Pastor George Pickering of Warwick Bible Church.
Picked from the steady stream of Morgantown and Elverson
The circus-themed categories that included
More than 35 entries vied to win in the following groups: Best of Show, Commercial, Non-commercial, Marching Unit, Best on Wheels and Scout Group.
Thunder Wash won Best of Show.
Commercial Float 1st place went to The Goddard School and 2nd place went to Smith Produce Farm.
Non-Commercial Float 1st place was awarded to Morgantown Community Church and 2nd place to Twin Valley Mountain Biking Team.
Scout Group 1st place went to Twin Valley Girl Scout Service Unit 766 and 2nd place to Boy Scouts of America Pack 543.
Marching Unit 1st place was awarded to Twin Valley Youth Football and Cheerleading and 2nd place to Ephrata National Bank.
Best on Wheels 1st place went to Ember Leisey and 2nd place to Blayze Leisey.
“Wow, it was a tough choice. They were all crowd pleasers! Until next year, a thank you from the committee to all volunteers, participants, vendors, donors and all the people who came out to watch our Annual Parade,” said the Committee.
