McCaffrey's Holiday Parade Welcomes Santa To Newtown

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — The NBA/McCaffrey’s Newtown Holiday Parade marched through
the streets of Newtown on Sunday spreading lots of holiday cheer.

From the instrumentalists playing holiday tunes to the jolly “Ho! Ho! Ho’s” coming from Santa Claus, the spirit of the season was infectious.

Hundreds lined the parade route along State and Sycamore streets as a chill in the air made for perfect marching weather and also watching weather provided you had a hot beverage to hold.

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 non-stop holiday magic.

Escorting the parade through town were Newtown Township Police Chief John Hearn and Newtown Borough Police Chief James Sabath.

They were followed by the Newtown American Legion Post 440 proudly carrying the nation’s flag and McCaffrey’s Markets featuring its antique delivery truck.

The New Melody Dance Group made its debut in the parade bringing a taste of Asian culture to the march. They were followed by the Crusin Classics Car Club.

The Joseph A. Ferko String Band, sponsored by Opus Elite, kicked off the music with a spirited ride down State Street. They were followed by the First National Bank and its Toyland float, Bike Works, Hutch Hamilton and his team of Belgians promoting “One Christmas Night” at Grace Point Church and a group of Cub Scouts and Webelos.

State Sen. Steve Santarsiero greeted the crowds. So did Newtown Borough Mayor John Burke who rode by wearing a top hat. He was joined by Council President Tara Grunde-McLaughlin. The Newtown Democrats also had a strong showing in the parade.

They were followed by the incredible Debra Sparks Dance Works team; Pickering Manor and its 2023 raffle car; the historic Newtown Theatre featuring “the Director’s Cut”; and the Girl Scouts of America.

Parade highlights included the 1st Crossing Volunteers; the Council Rock North and the Council Rock South Marching Bands presented by Pickering Manor; the Greater Kensington and the Polish American string bands; and the Newtown Fire Association, which escorted Santa through town.

Some of the floats included the Polar Express from Inspire; Toyland from the First National Bank; a cabinet tower from 75 Cabinets; a Monopoly Board game from Re/Max Properties; and the CR Newtown Little League 10 Year Old District Championship Team.

Other highlights included BC Discoveries Dance & Theater Arts Co., tractors from the Middletown Grange Fair, Burns Auto Repair, Angels on a Leash, Bucks County Community College and its mascot Spartan, the Daisy Jug Band, among many others.

Other Holiday Events

• The Santa House at 16 South State Street will be open Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10 and 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Dec. 17 and 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• The Newtown Borough Council has lifted its three hour parking limitation throughout the holiday season from Thursday to Sunday. Thirty minute parking spaces are exempt.