Tri-State Chamber of Commerce’s 52nd Rick Drew Holiday Parade kicked off with great enthusiasm this past weekend, as always. It was the same festive, lively parade as in past years, but with a reversed lineup. This year’s parade began – rather than ended – in Matamoras.
The parade stepped off from Matamoras Fire House at 4:30 p.m., moved through neighboring Matamoras streets to Pennsylvania Avenue, across the Mid-Delaware Bridge from Matamoras, PA into Port Jervis, NY, under the Erie Railroad underpass onto Ball and Fowler Streets, to the promenade in Port Jervis’ historic downtown business district.
The parade was followed by the lighting of Port Jervis’ official Christmas tree at the promenade, which included a chance to visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus, The Grinch and friends and neighbors. Hot chocolate, provided and served by the Salvation Army, holiday music by the Broome Street Band, and firepits for warming and toasting marshmallows were all available at the tree lighting event.
This year’s parade saluted Parade Grand Marshal Matamoras Mayor Cory Homer as well as the recent state championship win and Port Jervis High School Varsity Football Team. PJHS football players, cheerleaders, and supporters took part in the parade and were greeted and photographed by many fans during the tree lighting that followed.
Sponsored by TSCC, participants in the parade were announced as each unit passed the judges. TSCC President Ulana Emerson and Joe Neenan co-chaired the parade and were joined by fellow TSCC members Paul Brislin, Amador Laput, Linda Hannigan, and Debbie Valentine.
The following the sponsors and the winning participants in this year’s parade! Congrats to all who helped host and participate in our community’s hometown holiday parade. You looked GREAT!
Participating Winners:
Best Overall: Matamoras Fire Department
Best Walkers: Wonderland Elite
Best Musical: Broome Street Band
Most Original: Sparrowbush Tree Farm
Division Sponsors:
First Division - Tri State Chamber of Commerce
Second Division - Robert W. Schultz CPA
Third Division - Edward Jones Investments
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