The route may have changed for 2022, but the parade preceding the annual Bethel Park Community Day drew the same spirit of enthusiasm as ever.
Instead of proceeding from the municipal building to Highland Avenue and Bethel Church Road, the parade took a more direct approach to Bethel Park High School, the site for Community Day festivities.
As such, residents along Broad Street and the vicinity didn’t have to venture far to for a close-up view of everyone who walked or rode along the route, waving and tossing pieces of candy for the enjoyment of youngsters, of anyone with a sweet tooth.
Leading the parade was a Bethel Park police cruiser, followed by the high school’s Bethettes, a troupe of twirlers that traces its origins to the 1950s. Other school groups, including the marching band and cheerleaders, also took part.
Some antique cars joined Bethel Park public works trucks and Bethel Park Volunteer Fire Company vehicles for an impressive rolling array.
For the folks who were walking, the weather cooperated fully on Sept. 24, with mild temperatures and a bit of cloud cover making for a comfortable morning.
And the journey wasn’t nearly as long.
