Memorial Day Parade Cost Rising In Warminster

WARMINSTER, PA —The check came as a nice surprise.

For several years, the Warminster Township Supervisors have given VFW Post 6493 a check to cover the costs of the township's annual Memorial Day parade.

That check usually amounted to $7,500 and parade coordinator John Gruber, the VFW Post's quartermaster —which is the military name for treasurer —said the organization would have to cover the rest.

"VFWs don't have a lot of money," Gruber told Patch Wednesday as he prepares for the final Memorial Day parade he will oversee as coordinator. "Without that money, we couldn't have a parade."

But this year, the township presented VFW Post Commander Harry DeLorenzo at the recent supervisors meeting with a check for $10,000.

"Costs for the parade are going up every year," said Supervisors Chairman Kenneth Hayes in presenting the check.

"To do a parade is quite expensive," Gruber said. "Everything has gone with inflation. There are costs for food and beverage. We could probably do the parade for $5,000. But we want a decent parade that will be an attraction. We want to put out a decent product."

VFW Post 6493 will hold its annual Memorial Day ceremony and parade just like it has for many years, five of which Gruber has overseen as parade coordinator.

The parade will begin with a ceremony at 10 a.m. in front of the Warminster Township Building (401 Gibson Ave.) before stepping off and heading down Henry Avenue, York Road, and Street Road, ending with a celebration at the VFW on Louis Drive.

Portions of York and Street Roads and Henry Avenue will be closed between 9 a.m. and noon.

This year's parade, though, almost didn't happen.

Gruber wanted to step down as parade coordinator but there wasn't a successor in sight. So he was persuaded to stick around for another year.

"I didn't have any intentions of doing the parade," Gruber said. "I was stepping down. But the township really wants the parade."

Gruber has teamed up with Parks and Recreation Director Jessica Fox to get everything coordinated on the VFW end and the township end.

"It's a whole year of preparation for the parade," Gruber said. "My goal is by the end of December to have it pretty well in place."

Gruber said the transition will be a smooth one for next year's parade as he calls it a coordinating career.

"This is the last time I'm doing it," he said. "I can't wait until Tuesday."

The VFW Post also has lots of activities throughout the week:

• Monday —Country Line Dancing, 7-10 p.m.
• Thursday —Full-scale Bingo, 6-10 p.m.
• Friday —Dinner, Senior Dance

Gruber said the VFW Post also rents its hall and is always seeking new members. Anyone seeking more information should contact Gruber at 215-778-2637.