WEST CHESTER'S OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS PARADE SEEN BY THOUSANDS LOCALLY AND MILLIONS NATIONWIDE

A record-breaking 40,000 people enjoyed the 36th annual Mars Drinks Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade Presented by QVC on Dec. 4th, a star-filled evening in downtown West Chester. The 90-minute showcase of moving entertainment featured exciting floats, giant character balloons, celebrities, antique cars, and more than a dozen regional high school and college marching bands. Events got under way with hundreds of runners in costume for the traditional Jingle Elf Run. Produced by Under the Sun Productions Inc. and emceed by QVC Program Hosts Carolyn Gracie and Dan Hughes, along with 6abc’s Adam Joseph, the parade began with a 200-person opening number and culminated with the much-anticipated arrival of Santa. Pottsgrove High School was named the Grand Champion band and won $1,200; Jackson Liberty High School was voted Fan Favorite and won $500. Portions of the parade were broadcast live on QVC throughout the evening to more than 100 million homes.

GWCC President Mark Yoder said, “The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce is proud to have hosted the most successful Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade yet! This event would not be possible without the help of many dedicated individuals who believe in bringing the Christmas spirit to Downtown West Chester. ”

“West Chester has been QVC’s home for nearly three decades, and the parade truly brings neighbors together to celebrate the season,” said Doug Rose, Senior Vice President, Brand and Communications, QVC. “We invite everyone to tune in to QVC on Christmas Day to see highlights from the parade as we share the magic of the event with millions of viewers across the country.”

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All photos by Bayou Road Photography.

Photo 1: Welcome to the Mars Drinks Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade Presented by QVC!

Photo 2: Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce President Mark Yoder (center) joins QVC Program Hosts and parade emcees Dan Hughes (left) and Carolyn Gracie (right).

Photo 3: QVC Program Host Albany Irvin (left) and Doug Rose, Senior Vice President, Brand and Communications, QVC, shared West Chester’s holiday and community spirit with millions of viewers across the country.

Photo 4: QVC Program Hosts Mary Beth Roe, Courtney Cason and Elise Ivy in the QVC car.

Photo 5: What’s up, West Chester?

Photo 6: QVC Program Hosts Mary DeAngelis (left) and Gabrielle Kerr (right) enjoy the parade with Mark Yoder, President of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce.

Photo 7: QVC Program Hosts Jennifer Coffey (left) and Katie McGee captured highlights of the event that will be shared with QVC viewers on Christmas Day.

Photo 8: QVC Program Host Courtney Cason showcases members of the more than one dozen marching bands that competed.

Photo 9: Drum Majors join QVC Program Hosts Mary Beth Roe, Courtney Cason and Elise Ivy.

Photo 10: Here comes Santa Claus!