WEST CHESTER, PA — The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce is expanding its volunteer operations for the December 4 West Chester Christmas Parade, recruiting approximately 30 first-time walking marshals to help coordinate floats, performers, and marching bands along the eight-block route as an estimated 20,000 spectators gather downtown.
The new positions will supplement approximately 70 existing parade marshals, who traditionally assist with staging and spectator support along sidewalks.
Walking marshals will accompany parade participants and help maintain a consistent procession, marking the first time the chamber has offered volunteers positions within the parade itself.
“We have always relied on our volunteer parade marshals to assist with staging and spectator support on sidewalks, but this is the first year we are opening this experience to marshals who will walk in the parade alongside our spectacular floats, VIPs and marching bands,” said Laurie Ryan, president of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce.
The parade, sponsored by Chester County Hospital, begins at 7 p.m. Friday, December 4, following the borough’s Christmas tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. outside the historic Chester County Courthouse.
Additional volunteers are needed to help set up and dismantle the main stage before and after the event.
Parade marshals will receive red hats donated by West Pharmaceutical Services and official yellow volunteer vests. They will also participate in judging the parade’s Best Non-Profit Entry, Best Commercial Entry, and Best High School Marching Band categories.
Registered volunteers will receive reporting locations, schedules, and other instructions by email in mid- to late November.
The parade will again feature 6abc meteorologist Adam Joseph and B101 radio host Kathy Romano as emcees, with Santa Claus arriving at the conclusion of the procession.
Chester County Hospital plans to recognize its Employees of the Month during the event.
The parade and tree lighting also launch the sixth annual Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester, a seasonal program featuring approximately 100,000 decorative lights across downtown blocks.
The celebration spans six weekends from Thanksgiving through New Year’s, with additional activities including Santa visits, a toy drive breakfast, holiday music and caroling.
The program is supported by local businesses and organizations through sponsorships covering decorations, parade operations, and holiday activities.
Individuals and businesses interested in volunteering can register through the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce at https://www.greaterwestchester.com/lightsupchristmasparade.html.
The same website provides additional information about the parade, holiday programming, and participating sponsors.
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