Scranton Santa Parade Slated For Saturday

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Lackawanna County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Floats, balloons, marching bands and even a horse-drawn carriage will lead Santa Claus into Scranton this weekend as the Santa Parade once again spreads holiday cheer throughout the city.

Organizers wanted to make the parade bigger and better this year, and it certainly has grown. Stepping off Saturday at 9 a.m., the 21st annual parade will boast at least 20 floats, double the number it typically has. More participants will make the parade more enjoyable, said Mike Gallacher, vice president of finance for Santa Parade Inc.

“The parade’s always great because there’s always great entertainment, but we’re going to have more variety this year,” he said.

This is the first year Santa Parade Inc. organized the parade rather than the Scranton Jaycees, the planner for many years, after members of the Jaycees decided to spin off the parade off into its own group. Jaycees members “age out” of the group when they turn 41, and a lot of people – Mr. Gallacher included – were nearing that milestone and did not want to see the parade dissipate, he said.

Read more: http://thetimes-tribune.com/lifestyles/santa-parade-slated-for-saturday-1.1588844

Reading Gets In The Holiday Spirit With Parade On Saturday

Reading, PA – You won’t want to miss the big-time addition to this year’s Holiday Parade in downtown Reading on Saturday. And when we say big, we mean big!

Snowflakes the Snowman will be the first-ever huge helium balloon to hover along the parade route. Measuring 50 feet high and 22 feet wide, Snowflakes will be holding a large bright-blue snow star in his right glove as he makes his way down Penn Street on Saturday morning.

The annual parade will start at 9 a.m. at 11th Street and proceed down Penn Street to Second Street. Free parking will be available at all Reading Parking Authority garages except the Poplar and Walnut garage.

In addition to the debut of Snowflakes, a second, smaller helium balloon in the shape of an antique ornament will be part of the procession, according to Charles R. “Chuck” Broad, executive director of the Downtown Improvement District, which is coordinating the parade.

Read more: http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=519726

Harrisburg Holiday Parade Slated For This Saturday

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The annual Harrisburg Holiday Parade will take place in downtown Harrisburg on Saturday, November 20th.

The parade starts on City Island at 10 a.m., then travels over the Market Street bridge into downtown Harrisburg.

The parade, which marks the beginning of the Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s Day holiday season, will feature an appearance by Santa Claus, commercial floats, marching bands, giant helium balloons and specialty units.

If you are looking for some family fun this Saturday, check out the Harrisburg Holiday Parade.