Soggy, But Spirited Holiday Parade Marches Through Newtown

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP - Despite less than ideal weather conditions, the NBA/McCaffrey’s Newtown Holiday Parade stepped off on Sunday afternoon spreading holiday cheer from State to Sycamore streets.

From decorated floats to the jolly “Ho! Ho! Ho’s” coming from Santa Claus, the spirit of the season was infectious despite the occasional drizzle.

From the start of the parade, organized by the Newtown Business Association and generously sponsored by McCaffrey’s Food Markets, to the grand entrance of Santa Claus, the march was brimming with holiday magic and lots of fun.

Rudolph and the gang joined the march with their friends from the Penns Park Pub and the Island of Misfit Toys. A reformed Grinch took a heart-warming ride with members of the Newtown Rotary Club. And the crew from the Temperance House enjoyed a sleigh ride through town despite the lack of the white stuff.

Sunday's parade stepped off with the Newtown American Legion Post 440 proudly carrying the nation’s flag and McCaffrey’s Markets featuring its antique delivery truck.

American Legion Post 440 led the march carrying the American Flag.

McCaffrey's Market sponsored this year's Newtown Holiday Parade.

Yogamazia brought lots of spirit to the parade route.

Oh what fun it was to ride aboard the Temperance House sleigh! (Photos by Jeff Werner)

Congratulations goes out to the Council Rock Newtown Little League 11 Year Old District Champs! Way to go, team!

A reformed Grinch joins the gang on the Newtown Rotary Float to promote Service Above Self.

Penns Park Pub celebrates Rudolph and the gang on the Island of Misfit Toys. Despite the rain, the Abominable Snowman was hot on their trail.

Hutch Hamilton and his team of Belgian horses trotted through downtown Newtown promoting Grace Point Church’s “One Winter Night.” They were followed by Playa Bowls.

State Sen. Steve Santarsiero and Newtown Borough Councilman Bob Szwajkos joined the parade route, waving to the people lining the route. So did Newtown Borough Mayor John Burke who rode through town with Council President Tara Grunde-McLaughlin.

Some of this year's floats Nightmare Before Christmas from Inspire; the iconic town clock from the First National Bank; Salon Prvie; the Newtown Rotary Club; and the CR Newtown Little League 11 Year Old District Championship Team.

Other highlights included BC Discoveries Dance & Theater Arts Co., tractors from the Middletown Grange Fair, Burns Auto Repair, the Daisy Jug Band, the Girl Scouts of America; among many others.

Also joining the march were Yogamazia; Service First and its tribute to Snow White; a sled full of holiday cheer from The Temperance House; 1st Crossing Volunteers; the Uptown String Band; Debra Sparks Dance Works team; and the Newtown Fire Association, which escorted Santa
through town.

State Senator Steve Santarsiero and Newtown Borough Councilman Bob Swajakos.

The Girl Scouts of America.

Middletown Grange Fair tractors.

This message from Inspire Federal Credit Union: Don't let your finances become a 'Nightmare before Christmas.'

This year's parade judges.

Other Holiday Events

• Santa will be in town to meet and greet youngsters at his house and workshop located at 16 South State Street in front of Opus Elite Real Estate on Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 23. Hours at Santa's House and Workshop will be Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9 and 10, and again on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16 and 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. He'll also be at his house and workshop on Saturday, Dec. 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. before heading back to the North Pole to prepare for his Christmas Eve ride. Santa's House and Workshop is presented by Newtown Gives Back with proceeds going to families in need during the holiday season in Newtown and in Bucks County.
• Newtown Theatre will screen a series of free Christmas movies through December. Click here for this year's lineup. For the latest news about the Newtown Theatre, visit TheNewtownTheatre.com. The theatre is located at 120 N. State Street in Newtown Borough.
• The Newtown Borough Council has lifted its parking limitation Thursday to Sunday throughout the holiday season. The parking limitation will continue to be enforced Monday to Wednesday and for 30 minute spaces.