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November 21, 2009

Parade brings light, crowd to city

Event kicks off holiday season

By Patrick Cooley

HERMITAGE — People were lined up shoulder to shoulder and six or seven deep Saturday along East State Street in Hermitage.

They came from all over Mercer County for the 12th annual Hermitage Light Up Parade. Some started lining up more than an hour before the parade started at 6 p.m. to get a good view of the floats and bands as they passed by.

Kim Taylor of Reynolds and her family put out their folding chairs at 5 p.m. near Hillcrest Memorial Park so her kids could get a good look at the parade’s headliner.

“They came to see Santa Claus and the lights,” Mrs. Taylor said about her children and some of her friends’ children.

“I bribe them all year long,” she said. “I tell them, ‘You better be good if you want to see Santa Claus.’”

Things started off with an armed forces float, with a tribute to soldiers who died in the line of duty. It was met by standing ovations as it moved down the street.

Christmas-themed floats, high school marching bands, local politicians and fire trucks, police cars and ambulances passed along the parade route, ushering in the holiday season.

This year’s floats included a remote-controlled Frosty the snowman and a “Wizard of Oz”-themed entry, with the Wicked Witch of the West hiding inside a Christmas Tree.

Madison Houck, 8, of Sharpsville, said that was her favorite part of the parade.

“I liked the little wizard,” she said.

Madison, who performed in the parade with the Twirling Angels, was dressed as a reindeer, complete with a red nose.

Many people commented on how the 50-degree weather was perfect for the event.

“The weather is wonderful,” said Becky Patton of Sharpsville.

Mrs. Patton asked her young son, Anthony, if he was having fun.

He turned around, a bag of candy in his hand and a sucker in his mouth, and nodded before turning back to watch the parade.

Karen Chamberlain, of Reynolds, who came with her children and her mother, Nancy Chamberlain, left satisfied.

“It’s not too long but it’s not too short. When it’s over, you’re not like, ‘Wow, that was it?’”

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