By Michelle Church
If you are looking for the small-town cheer of a Hallmark movie, it can be found at the Mt. Morris Parade. The parade’s origins can be traced back 50 years, when it was started by Sherlene Wade. Sherlene’s daughter, Bridget Montgomery, has always been part of the parade planning process – since day one – and now co-sponsors the parade along with Sami Smith.
Each year, the parade features a unique line-up of approximately ten floats. Over the years, Bridget has seen many memorable floats. She recalls one of her all-time favorites: a float decorated as an Amish village, strung with Christmas lights. Bridget says it was like a gingerbread house. There was even a man costumed as the Grinch. Another year, Waynesburg Central High School had “live baby sheep and goats on hay with their float. It was adorable.,” Bridget remembers fondly.
The float contest offers prizes for the top three floats. First place is awarded $150, second place receives $100 and third place is given $50. Joe R. Pyle Auction & Realty is sponsoring the cash prizes for this year’s float contest. The contest is judged at the United Methodist Church at 3:30 PM.
Local marching bands join in the festivities. This year, Waynesburg Central High School and Clay Batelle are slated to participate.
In addition to the floats and marching bands, this year’s parade includes fire trucks, a Christmas pageant, dance groups, and local queens and their royal parties. Throughout the parade’s history, it has only been rescheduled three times because of inclement weather. Bridget mentions one year when the local queen and her royal party were driven around in a truck with a tarp over the back. The rain was coming down hard and the children had fun peeking out from under the tarp at the crowd. This year’s parade will take place on time, regardless of the weather.
Nostalgia and tradition are important with the parade’s crowd. It’s also a part of Bridget’s family history. When her mother ran the parade, Sherlene was known for her fun Christmas outfits. Donald Pyle, Bridget’s uncle, has been known to join in the fun. He often has one of his antique cars in the parade.
There is a yearly tradition of Santa Claus making an appearance at the parade and delighting the children with his presence. This year, a new Santa will be featured because the original was pulled away to Sweden for Christmas.
On December 14, a Breakfast with Santa event will take place at the Mt Morris VFD at 9:00 AM until 11AM and there is a Christmas Craft show at Mt. Morris United Methodist Church from 9AM until 3PM. The Mt. Morris parade begins at 4PM.
During this most wonderful time of the year, grab yourself a toasty hot chocolate, treat yourself to a popcorn from JD’s Kettle Korn, and enjoy this heart-warming tradition along the southern border of Greene County.