“This was a great parade,” said Lisa Mains of Philipsburg.
The yearly Heritage Days Parade kicked off Saturday afternoon. Crowds lined the streets from start to finish on Philipsburg’s sidewalks and grass cover right-of-ways.
“I think the crowd was one as large as other years if not larger,” said Heritage Days Chairman Jim Pollock
This year the theme for the parade was “Say thanks, they fought for us” in celebration of the military. Many floats incorporated this theme somehow into their design. Boy Scout Troop #99 had a recreation of a US aircraft shooting down a Japanese bomber during World War II. A cement mixer drove down the route painted camouflage with “support our troops” painted on the side. Toddler and Mickey Mouse ridden floats even got into the spirit.
Pollock was glad to see that even some homes got involved by bringing out their flags..
“I thought the parade was very nice,” said Carol Thompson of Houtzdale.
The parade was shorter this year. Pollock stated that usually there were 160 groups participating. This year there were only 145. He used bands as an example of where there are normally 15, but only signed up to participate. While being asked for the count Pollock had to be corrected as 148 had signed up, but three never made it to Philipsburg once the parade was completed.
“It’s down a little bit. I think it is attributed to the economy,” explained Pollock.
he John F. Nicoll Pipe Band had traveled from Maryland to participate in the parade.
