A light snow fell last night, adding the perfect wintry touch, as the many participants of the annual Victorian Tyrone Christmas parade marched through the downtown area.
The streets were lined with spectators who enjoyed the sights of the floats, fire trucks, twirling groups, and other organizations who participated in the annual event.
Before the parade, the annual tree lighting ceremony, sponsored by the Tyrone Post Office, was held on the post office steps with Cary Simpson of WTRN, Dennie Huber, Mayor Patricia Stoner and Blair County Commissioner John Eichelberger.
Of course, last but not least, Santa Claus officially rang in the holiday season as he was escorted through town on Dave and Linda Hershey’s mounted Percherons horse sleigh.
The Rotary Club of Tyrone judged the floats and awarded first, second and third place prizes. The first place float was of a ginger bread house made out of 900 graham crackers by the Tyrone Area High School FFA. Second place was awarded to the St. Matthew’s/Knights of Columbus float, and third place was awarded to Tyrone Area Community Organization.
After the parade, Santa headed over to the Armory where kids had the chance to visit with him. There was also hot chocolate and cookies for everyone to enjoy.
According to executive director of the Tyrone Area Chamber of Commerce, Rose Black, all 40 parade entries made for a spectacular show from dignitaries, floats, marching twirlers, cheerleaders, football players, girl scouts, mascots, fire trucks to trolleys and more.
She added it was a perfect ending at the Armory with Santa visiting, the decorated tree contest by many area businesses and organizations, hot chocolate provided by Tyrone Community Partnership and cookies by the Womens Club of Tyrone and Connie Geraci.
Santa was welcomed to Tyrone by many area sponsors. The organizations came together with the help of the Tyrone Area Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Tyrone. The event was publicized by WTRN and The Daily Herald.
