Get ready to show your red, white, and blue pride—our community’s beloved Fourth of July Parade is just around the corner, and you won’t want to miss a minute of the fun! From dazzling floats and lively marching bands to classic cars and local heroes, this patriotic celebration always has something for everyone. Grab a front-row spot along the parade route, which starts at St Albans Circle and continues eastbound on West Chester Pike to the Broomall Fire Company. Get ready to cheer as Marple Newtown comes alive with the spirit of Independence Day!
This year’s master plan for our freedom celebration brings a new Master of Ceremonies to the microphone as emcee of parade festivities, Broomall resident Charles Thomas. Charles is ready to get the party started! 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 Merrie Staurowsky, Chairperson of the Parade committee.
Fan favorites like the Bushwackers Drum and Bugle Corps, an all-age drum corps, and the Spirit of ‘76 will be along the route to entertain the crowd. Band coordinator Mary Jo Hamilton is excited to welcome back popular bands as well as add some new ones. “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.”
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 said that every year she is amazed by the creativity. “Some of these floats, especially the hand-drawn ones, are always very impressive!” she added. Winners will be announced in a ceremony at the Broomall Fire Company following the parade.
For the fifth year in a row, the committee is sponsoring the Red, White and You! contest. What started as a way to unite our communities in 2020 has become a fun tradition for residents and businesses to show off their patriotic spirit. Last year the committee received dozens of 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 30th. “Families tell me how much fun they have driving around Marple and Newtown Square looking at the festive lights,” said Merrie. “We encourage people to go all out!”
The parade and the Red White and You! contest would not be possible without the dedicated committee members who spend much of the year fundraising and planning. 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 our annual parade,” said Merrie.
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, Co-Vice President of the parade committee. “As a longtime Broomall resident I can’t imagine spending the Fourth of July any other way.” Sponsors who wish to hold space for an advertisement may contact the committee through their website by May 15 and the final deadline for ads is May 24. The committee will also be selling Tie Dye Fourth of July t-shirts at various locations in May and June including Circle at Sundown on May 18 and the
Newtown Square Food and Makers Market on June 13.