‘Remember Why It’s 4th of July’ Independence Day Parade will be held in Lower Southampton Township next week
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
Lower Southampton Township is making sure the significance of Independence Day — when the 13 colonies officially separated from England to form the foundation of the United States — isn’t forgotten. Next Wednesday, the township’s annual parade will celebrate the theme “Remember Why It’s 4th of July,” inviting locals for an afternoon of free entertainment and activities, all centered around commemorating this historic event.
The festivities begin at 1 p.m. at Second Street and Bustleton Pike in Feasterville before moving north on Route 213 Bridgetown Pike to the Lower Southampton Intermediate School and Lower Southampton Township grounds. According to event chairpersons Ed Shannon and Bob DiBenedetto, attendees can look forward to a number of favorite acts that have become staples over the parade’s nearly 20-year span.
“This year’s parade and patriotic salute to America will include an appearance by the world champion Philadelphia Eagles Pep Band, as well as performances by two Mummers string bands — South Philadelphia and Uptown,” Shannon said. “Also performing will be popular country and western entertainer Jody King, the Boogie Dogs Band and the Jazz Vespers Dixieland Band.”
Further entertainment will be provided by the Andalusia Jug Band, Tri-County Band, DJB Jug Band and the St. Columcille United Gaelic Pipe Band. In addition, local and visiting fire departments, antique and classic cars, and an array of colorful floats, including ones for the Lower Southampton Veterans Advisory and Wings of Freedom, will take part in the procession. Appearances will be made by federal, state, county and local government representatives, as well as the Lower Southampton Police Department honor guard, which will display and carry America’s colors in the parade.
Marching will be representatives from Action Karate, Leaps-N-Bounders and a host of other area groups and organizations, including boys and girls teams from the Lower Southampton Athletic Association, the Neshaminy High School Cheerleaders, Cub and Boy Scout units, Lulu Shriners and the Lower Southampton Veterans Advisory Board.
“We’re always looking for more groups and organizations who wish to march in the parade,” Shannon said.
Two major highlights will be the baby and bicycle competitions. Lower Southampton’s youngest residents are invited to show off their patriotic attire while riding in wagons or on a bicycle or tricycle. Three volunteer judges will select winners for a variety of categories, including best and most colorful floats. Registration for these events will take place at Wage Electric on Bustleton Pike on the day of the parade.
The Feasterville Business Association, the prime sponsor of the event, will be represented with an exquisite horse-drawn wagon, which will carry its two annual college scholarship winners, Neshaminy High School seniors Daniel S. Cook and Wayne Fairbrother III, who were both awarded $1,200.
A number of Lower Southampton’s younger students will also be spotlighted, including St. Katharine Drexel Regional Catholic School seventh-grader Collene Wawrdyniak, who designed this year’s parade book cover. Not only will Wawrdyniak receive a $100 prize from the parade committee, but her design will reach the eyes of approximately 3,000 attendees, all of whom will receive a copy of the book.
According to Shannon, three schools participated in the annual design competition, including St. Katharine Drexel, Joseph E. Ferderbar Elementary School and Poquessing Middle School, with one participant from each selected to win a prize. Runners-up were Gianni Ramirez, a seventh-grader at Poquessing, and Jackson Becker, a second-grader at Ferderbar, who will both be awarded $50 for their designs.
“We make sure each school is represented,” Shannon said.
Within the parade book are the names of the local sponsors who made the event, which costs $25,000 each year, possible. Everyone who participated with a sponsorship of $100 or more will receive a certificate of appreciation in addition to prominent identification in the official book.
“It’s all donated by local sponsors,” Shannon explained. “Without the generosity and support from our wonderful sponsors, we would not be able to stage this exciting and entertaining parade and celebration for everyone to enjoy.”
He also stressed the importance of another group instrumental in helping the parade run smoothly — the volunteers. According to Shannon, the event is entirely run by dedicated residents who begin the lengthy planning process in January. Volunteers are still needed to help set up and serve as marshals. ••
If you go…
The “Remember Why It’s 4th of July” Lower Southampton Township Independence Day Parade will take place Wednesday, July 4, beginning at 1 p.m. at Second Street and Bustleton Pike in Feasterville. Rain date is Saturday, July 7. The public is invited free of charge. For more information on the event or volunteering, contact Connie Perry at 215–357–7300, ext. 301.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
