The 2023 Marple Newtown 4th of July Parade was one for the record books! The weather was perfect, the streets were packed with patriotic spectators, 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,” “amazing,” “so much fun,” and “absolutely perfect.”
This year’s parade Grand Marshal was The Broomall Fire Company which celebrated 100 years of volunteer service on January 8, 2023. Fire Company President Jim Capuzzi and Fire Chief Tom Dobbins rode in the Grand Marshal convertible along the parade route, followed by the fire company’s dedicated members who marched in full dress uniform with the Brian Boru Irish Bagpipes and Drums Band.
The parade would also not be possible without generous sponsors who place ads in the parade book and those who make direct donations. The committee would like to recognize the following Star Spangled Donors: Republic Bank, The Original Thunderbird Steakhouse and Catering and a donation in memory of Larry and Dee Spillman, long-time Newtown Square residents who loved spending the 4th of July holiday along the parade route with their daughters, Lori Martin and Kristine Adams and their families.
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. The Eagle Prep Band 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 Township Republican Party whose decorated float earned them the largest trophy of the day.
The parade ended with a celebration of our great country. Volunteers were on hand to serve pretzels 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 2024 parade commemorative book.
Congratulations to All of the Winners!
SMALL FLOAT 1st: Newtown Township Republican Party; 2nd: Foreman Family Float; 3rd: Generation Quinn.
MEDIUM FLOAT 1st: Operation Christmas Child; 2nd: MNHS Boys Soccer; 3rd: Marple Newtown Democratic Party.
LARGE FLOAT 1st: Newtown Edgmont Little League; 2nd: MN Ice Hockey Club; 3rd: Vannicolo Family Fun on Fourth.
COMMERCIAL FLOAT 1st: Charming Star Playroom; 2nd: Rose Tree Place; 3rd: The Giant Company.
MARCHING GROUP 1st: Art in Motion Dance Studio; 2nd: Marple Civic Youth Association; 3rd: Yankee Doodle Twirl.
BIKE BRIGADE (Group) 1st: Aguirre Family – Land that We Love; 2nd: Shul Family – Flags of USA. (Individual) 3 & Under 1st: Brynn Kozak; 2nd: Evan Oelkers; 3rd: Kyle Hood. Age 4 1st: Jayson Hood; 2nd: Rose Spiro; 3rd: Daniel Johnson. Age 5 1st: Emily Rennix; 2nd: Stella Gambone; 3rd: Rocco Gambone. Age 6 1st: Nova Evak; 2nd: Oona Heron; 3rd: Eileen Heron and Alora Kudle (tie). Age 7 1st: Casey Marohn; 2nd: Vivian Rennix; 3rd: Taylor McDonald. Age 8 1st: Riley Messick; 2nd: Evelyn Oelkers; 3rd: Kieran Hickey. Age 9 1st: Reese Armstrong; 2nd: Abigail Barfield; 3rd; Maria Miller. Age 10 & Over 1st: Austin Heffer; 2nd: Chloe Maier; 3rd; Phoenix McFetridge.
STROLLERS AND WAGONS 1st: Ryder Scanlon; 2nd: Anastasia Cox; 3rd: Kayden Ludwick.
HAND-DRAWN FLOATS 1st: Chase Jillard; 2nd: USS Delco; 3rd: Lorelai Taggert.
Back when the 2020 parade was canceled due to the pandemic, the committee launched a Red, White and YOU! decorating contest for area residents and businesses. The turnout has been so successful over the past three years that they decided to continue the tradition. Judges toured the area and awarded prizes such as “Best Window,” “Most Patriotic” and “Most Spectacular.”
There were over 40 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: 309 S Parkway 111, Broomall
Best Business: From the Top Studio of Dance, Chapel Rd, Newtown Square
Most Patriotic: 19A St Albans Ave, Newtown Square
Most Creative: 117 Hearth Rd, Broomall
Best Window: The Running Place, West Chester Pike, Newtown Square
Best Use of Red, White and Blue: 49 S Malin Rd, Broomall
Most Fun: 58 Ann Rd, Newtown Square
Best at Night: 402 1st Ave, Newtown Square
Star-tastic: 307 Beechtree Dr, Broomall
Best Under 14: 3 Elliot Rd, Broomall
Most Traditional: 66 S Sproul Rd, Broomall
Best Balcony: 309 S Parkway Apt 105, Broomall
Party in the USA: 2946 Dorman Ave, Broomall
Most Spectacular: 301 4th Ave, Newtown Square
Best Block: 3rd and 4th Ave, Newtown Square
American Spirit: 105 N Sproul Rd, Broomall
FLAG-nificent: 250 Sussex Blvd, Broomall
Honorable Mentions: Newtown Square: 116 Ridgefield Rd, 39 Northwood Rd, 300 3rd Ave. Broomall: Flag & Sign Place, 2215 Clover Dr, 7 Allison Dr, 20 James Rd, 403 Briar Dr, 210 Canford Rd. Media: 133 Overlook Dr.
Please join us in thanking our Marple Newtown 4th of July Parade Committee and all the volunteers for their hard work and dedication.We could not have asked for a better parade. Thank you for Bringing People Together to celebrate our freedom!
