Rain expected for Tarentum-Brackenridge parade, some activities moved inside

Organizers of the joint Tarentum-Brackenridge Christmas parade are hoping for good weather as this year’s event approaches.

The parade is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. Saturday, proceeding from the Tarentum Bridge in Tarentum, down Fifth Avenue to Corbet Street, and then up First Avenue to Morgan Street in Brackenridge.

“Come and enjoy the festivities,” said parade co-chair Barbara Magnetta. “We do this for the community.”

Holding an outdoor event in November is always risky, National Weather Service meteorologist Lee Hendricks said. Scattered showers are expected through the morning, with rain becoming more widespread in the afternoon.

The chance of rain is 70%.

Temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-40s before getting cold enough Saturday night for snow. No accumulation is expected.

The parade might be wet, but this year’s after-parade activities are going to be held indoors at the Brackenridge American Legion. Festivities will include a toy giveaway, face painting, crafts, balloon twisting, caricatures and an appearance by Santa.

Magnetta said organizers decided to move the activities inside after holding them outside last year in Riverview Memorial Park.

Highlands High School vocal music students are scheduled to perform at 2:30 p.m., followed by a community choir at 3 p.m. and a puppet show at 3:30 p.m.

Although it’s expected to rain, the parade has had to contend with worse — ice made conditions treacherous one year.

“In all these years, we’ve never canceled the parade,” Magnetta said.

The parade is expected to last up to 90 minutes, Magnetta said. Prizes will be awarded for the best-decorated fire trucks and floats, with the judging stand on Corbet Street.

Magnetta and her late husband, former Tarentum Mayor Carl Magnetta, put the parade together with their Brackenridge counterparts, Mayor Tom Kish and his wife, Cindy.

Magnetta said they chose the Saturday before Thanksgiving for the parade because other communities have events on the Saturday after, and some groups aren’t available because of other commitments.

“It works out quite well for us,” she said.

Michelle Wright of WTAE-TV will be the parade’s grand marshal.