Marple Newtown kicked off the Fourth of July with a bang! Spectators were able to enjoy the best of our community, including veterans, musical groups, elaborately decorated floats, marchers, classic and antique cars, first responders, decorated bikes and strollers, community groups and much more!
This year’s parade was extra special as the Fourth of July Parade Committee celebrated 40 years of bringing residents together for this beloved tradition. In honor of leading the Fourth of July committee for the past four decades, Jan Ceton and Rich Crowe kicked off the parade as Grand Marshals.
Toes were tappin’ thanks to the many musical groups, which included local musicians as well as groups from New York and New Jersey, including two String Bands and two Drum and Bugle Corps.
The Mersey-British Rock Invasion, the Spirit of Slim 76, the Marching Cobras Drumline and Danceline from New York were back to entertain the crowd. And, South Philly’s WhoaPhat Brass Band really got the crowd up on their feet!
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 2025 parade commemorative book.
Congratulations to All of the Winners!
SMALL FLOAT
1st: Newtown Township Republican Party
2nd: Frank Sinatra on the Fourth
3rd: Generation Meehan Family
MEDIUM FLOAT
1st: Marple Democratic Committee
2nd: Marple Township
LARGE FLOAT
1st: Marple Township Little League
2nd: Marple Historical Society
3rd: Marple Republican Party
COMMERCIAL FLOAT
Best of Parade: Charming Star Playroom
2nd: O’Donnell Roofing Company
3rd: Lulu’s on Wheels Bus Party
MARCHING GROUP
1st: Art in Motion Dance Studio
2nd: Kids Against Hunger
BIKE BRIGADE
(Group)
1st: Aguirre and Long families
2nd: Boyle Boys family
(Individual) 3 & Under
1st: Kyle Hood
2nd: Liam Kehr
3rd: Clare/Mary Kate Johnson
(Individual) Age 4
1st: Evan Delkers
(Individual) Age 5
1st: Danny Guercio
2nd: Daniel/Mary Kate Johnson
3rd: Emily Rennix
(Individual) Age 6
1st: Makenna Thomas
2nd: Stella and Rocco Gambone (tie)
(Individual) Age 7
1st: Colin Brophy
(Individual) Age 8
1st: Casey Marohn
2nd: Vivian Rennix
3rd: Taylor McDonald
(Individual) Age 9
1st: Evelyn Oelkers
2nd: Kieran Hickey
3rd: Riley Messick
(Individual) Age 10 & Over
1st: Abigail Barfield
2nd: Phoenix McFetridge
3rd: Maria Miller
STROLLERS & WAGONS
1st: Reese Evak
2nd: Vincent Rennix
HAND-DRAWN FLOATS
1st: Armstrong family
2nd: Ludwick Family
3rd: Q-17 Carminati Comet
COSTUMED INDIVIDUALS
1st: Uncle Sam Thanks the First Responders
2nd: Suds Factory Car Wash Mascot
The Red, White and YOU! Contest that the committee started during the pandemic has become a fun way for residents and businesses to show off their patriotic spirit. There were dozens of entries from Broomall and Newtown Square. Judging took place June 30 and July 1, and winners were greeted by a caravan of judges, complete with Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty and a congratulatory lawn sign. All entries received a participation certificate.
Best Residence: 2946 Dorman Ave, Broomall
Best Business: Flag & Sign Place, Broomall
Best Under 14: 3 Elliott Rd, Broomall
Best Balcony: 3400 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square
Best at Night: 29 Evergreen Ave, Broomall
Best Window: From the Top Studio of Dance, Newtown Square
Most Patriotic: 117 Hearth Rd, Broomall
Most Creative: 309 S Parkway 105L, Broomall
Most Spectacular: 58 Ann Rd, Broomall
Star-tastic: 12 Sterner Rd, Broomall
Flag-nificent: 24 Summit Ave, Broomall
Party in the USA: 402 1st Ave, Newtown Square
American Spirit: 2734 Hillview Rd, Broomall
Best Use of Red, White, and Blue: 2500 Franklin Ave, Broomall
Most Fun: 19A St Albans Circle, Newtown Square
Most Traditional: 66 S Sproul Rd, Broomall
Dazzling Details: 309 S Parkway 111L, Broomall
Absolutely Awesome: 301 4th Ave, Newtown Square
Best Block: Northwood Ave, Newtown Square
Honorable Mentions:
Newtown Square: 300 3rd Ave; Casey’s;
408 3rd Ave; 5 Woodbrook House; 25 Surrey Drive
Broomall: 45 S. Malin Rd; 3089 Dorman Circle;
2954 Lovell Ave; 307 Beechtree Rd; 403 Briar Rd;
308 Media Line Rd; and the Marple Library
Please join us in thanking our Marple Newtown 4th of July Parade Committee and all the volunteers for their 40 years of hard work and dedication. We could not have asked for a better parade. Thank you for Bringing People Together to celebrate our freedom!