Downtown West Chester Hosts Old Fashioned Christmas

Arguably the most well-attended annual event in Downtown West Chester, Friday night’s Mars Drinks Old Fashioned Christmas Parade drew crowds of all ages to the town center. With approximately 40 features and performances including choirs, the Jingle Elf Run, gallery events, a tree lighting ceremony and a parade, the event played to all of its spirited spectators.

The event officially kicked off at 6:30 as runners donning Elf hats took to the streets for the Jingle Elf Run. Cash prizes were given for top finishers among men and women for the two-mile run, as children streamed down Market Street for the ½-mile event. Top three male finishers were Greg Wetzel, age 27  with a 10:02 minute time; Andy Applesauce, age 22, finishing in 10:29; and Greg Watson, age 45, who finished in 10:35. Top three female finishers were Katie O’Regan, 26, with a 11:28 time; Kimberly Hickey, 26, 12:13; and Heather Blackburn, 36, who finished in 14:00.  Many of the runners donned festive costumes, including a mother and daughters who came decked in red and green tutus.

As the tree was lit at the courthouse, choirs and crowd alike sang carols and admired the charm of Courtney Baxter and Jordan McCool, Miss National Sweetheart and Miss Junior National Sweetheart, respectively. Both girls are students at Henderson High School, and captivated the imagination of the crowd’s little girls, who all wanted to meet the “princesses”.

In the downtime between events, neighboring spectators turned to discuss the holiday season and the night’s event. It seems to be popular opinion that the parade – which featured approximately ninety elements—was too long for the small children in attendance, some of whom could not make the two hour wait to see Santa Claus come to town. Other than cutting down the length of the parade, perhaps an alternative would be having Santa’s float open (versus close) the Parade.

Various marching bands, including West Chester’s own Henderson and Rustin, entertained those crammed along the route. The parade’s second biggest draw to Mister Claus would have to be the town’s own Senator Andy Dinniman, who along with his staff, led the parade through its route with great cheer. Dancers, baton twirlers, and even some four-legged friends continued to delight as the expertly produced event carried on.

West Chester’s website states that the Old Fashioned Christmas is a four day event, lasting until December 4, but does not list a roster of the Saturday’s or Sunday’s events. The Chamber of Commerce yielded a similar lack of results. Regardless of scheduled events, the town is still an excellent place to visit this week for anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit. All of the shops and restaurants have been decorated and are running holiday specials, and the public spaces have all been decked in their holiday finest.