Photos courtesy of the 4th of July Parade Committee
The reviews are in: The 2022 Marple Newtown 4th of July Parade was one for the record books! The weather was perfect, the streets were packed with people, and the excitement in the air was electric.
Praise and thanks to the Parade Committee flooded their Facebook page just minutes after the conclusion. Words used to describe the event were “spectacular,” “the best one yet,” and “absolutely perfect.”
This year’s parade Grand Marshall was William (Bill) Greco Jr. Bill is the co-owner of The Original Thunderbird Steakhouse which was founded in 1956 by his grandfather, Salvatore and his father, William Sr. Bill and his brother Tom are proud to be part of our community and continually support our Marple Newtown 4th of July Parade as well as charitable causes to help those in need throughout Marple Newtown.
Spectators were entertained by marching bands such as Mersey-British Rock Invasion and the Spirit of Slim 76. And returning to the parade this year was The Marching Cobras Drumline and Danceline from New York. South Philly’s WhoaPhat Brass Band and the Bushwackers Drum and Bugle Corps from New Jersey got the crowd up on their feet and our community marching bands, fire companies and first responders joined in the fun.
Local businesses, community clubs and neighborhood residents did not disappoint with their decorated floats and marching groups. But it was the little ones who stole the show with their creative and festively decorated strollers, wagons, hand-drawn floats and bikes. The award for Best of Parade was Newtown Square Presbyterian Church whose decorated float earned them the largest trophy of the day.
The parade ended with a celebration of our great country. Volunteers were on hand to serve pretzels, ice pops and water. The crowd gathered to listen to The Marple Newtown Community Band play our National Anthem, after which the awards ceremony began. Medals and trophies were given to the top three entries in each division, and their names and photos will be featured in the 2023 parade commemorative book.
Congratulations to All of the Winners!
SMALL FLOAT 1st: Newtown Township Republican Party; 2nd: Generation Quinn; 3rd: Newtown Edgmont Little League.
MEDIUM FLOAT 1st: Newtown Square Presbyterian Church; 2nd: Marple Newtown Democratic Party; 3rd: Operation Christmas Child.
LARGE FLOAT 1st: Boy Scouts Troop 122; 2nd: Marple Township Little League; 3rd: Marple Republican Party.
COMMERCIAL FLOAT 1st: The Giant Company; 2nd: Charming Star Playroom; 3rd: Rose Tree Woods Swim Club.
MARCHING GROUP 1st: Art in Motion Dance Studio; 2nd: From the Top Studio of Dance; 3rd: Marple Civic Youth Association
BIKE BRIGADE (Group) 1st: Evak Family. (Individual) 3 & Under 1st: Evan Oelkers; 2nd: Daniel Johnson; 3rd: Rose Spiro. Age 4 1st: Juliette Tripp; 2nd: Daviana Long. Age 5 1st: Beckett Kern; 2nd: Laura Vergara. Age 6 1st: Taylor McDonald; 2nd: Eleanor Spiro; 3rd: Aidan Shiel. Age 7 1st: Riley Messick; 2nd: Jackson Kroll; 3rd: Evelyn Gelkers. Age 8 1st: Tyler Nefferdorf; 2nd: Henry Spiro; 3rd: (tie) Ava Tripiciano and Aubrey Cianelli. Age 9 1st: Ella Pinto; 2nd: Carter Evak; 3rd: Chloe Maier. Age 10 & Over 1st: Jameson Kroll; 2nd: Austin Heffer; 3rd: (tie) Alexa Nefferdorf and Kaden Kowalko.
STROLLERS AND WAGONS 1st: Chase Jillard; 2nd: Anastasia Cox; 3rd: Ricky Cathcart.
HAND-DRAWN FLOATS 1st: Reese Armstrong; 2nd: Tesla 2023; 3rd: Kayden Ludwick.
Back when the 2020 parade was canceled due to the pandemic, the committee launched a Red, White and YOU! decorating contest for area residents and businesses. The turnout has been so successful over the past two years that they decided to continue the tradition. Judges toured the area and awarded prizes such as “Best Window,” “Most Patriotic” and “Most Spectacular.”
There were over 40 entries from Broomall and Newtown Square. Judging took place June 30 and July 1, and winners were greeted by a caravan of judges, complete with Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty and a congratulatory lawn sign. All entries received a participation certificate.
Best Residence: 250 Sussex Blvd, Broomall
Best Business: From the Top Studio of Dance, Chapel Rd, Newtown Square
Most Patriotic: Marple Presbyterian Church, Broomall
Most Creative: 309 S Parkway, Apt 111, Broomall
Best Window: Mad Hatter Boutique, West Chester Pike, Broomall
Best Use of Red, White and Blue: 308 Media Line Rd, Newtown Square
Most Fun: 19A St. Albans Ave, Newtown Square
Best at Night: 2946 Dorman Rd, Broomall
Star-tastic: 117 Hearth Rd, Broomall
Best Under 14: 3 Elliot Rd, Broomall
Most Traditional: 66 S Sproul Rd, Broomall
Best Balcony: Westbrook House, Apt 501, Newtown Square
Best Mailbox: 7 Allison Dr, Broomall
Party in the USA: 301 Fourth Ave, Broomall
Most Spectacular: 49 S Malin Rd, Broomall
Best Block: S Malin Rd, Broomall
American Spirit: Newtown Square Historical Society
Honorable Mentions: Newtown Square: 300 3rd Ave, 402 1st Ave, 25 Surrey Rd, 39 Northwood Rd, 6 Martins Rd, and Casey’s Public House. Broomall: 24 Summit Rd, 307 Beechtree Rd, 2623 Springfield Rd, and 58 Ann Rd.
Please join us in thanking our Marple Newtown 4th of July Parade Committee and all the volunteers for their hard work and dedication. We could not have asked for a better parade. Thank you for Bringing People Together to celebrate our freedom!
