Greensburg's Holiday Parade warmly kicks off the season on a cold, but sunny, day

Gloved hands waved and blankets wrapped shoulders Saturday along Greensburg’s Main Street Saturday as holiday cheer was spread throughout the community.

Onlookers exclaimed as groups of dogs and alpacas passed along the Holiday Parade route and tapped their toes while several marching bands and dance troupes played and shimmied their way through town.

Members of Girl Scout Troop 27099, based in Youngwood, sat on hay bales atop their first float, decorated by Junior Girl Scouts, said Amber Pacella, one of four troop leaders.

She was impressed at how older members took care of their younger counterparts on the cold, but sunny, morning. Ages ranged from 5 to 13 years old.

“I think it speaks volumes about our troop,” she said.

About 90 groups participated in the annual event, according to parade supervisor Lydia Kinkaid, the city’s recreation program manager. Local fire department trucks lumbered their way down Main Street while tow trucks made their presence known with honking horns.

Politicians and others handed out candy, sometimes darting between groups of children in an effort to greet them all. Many participants used the parade as a way to bring community awareness to their mission.

Mutual Aid EMS expanded its float this year, said organizer Krystle Flock, human resources generalist. Employees helped to make various pieces of the display as their work flow allowed.

“We definitely like to participate in community events,” she said.

Operation Christmas Child’s Westmoreland team hoped to get the word out about their local efforts to help children worldwide. It was the group’s first time participating in the Greensburg parade.

Cindy Watson, area coordinator, said they work with local churches to collect shoe boxes full of items that are shipped through the national organization to children in need. The shoe boxes typically contain hygiene items, school supplies, and a toy or stuffed animal, along with religious materials.

“This is a tangible gift to the children,” she said.

Their float consisted of a wooden shoe box replica with airplane wings as well as larger-than-life items that might be stuffed into one for a child. Shoe boxes can be built online at samaratinspurse.org.

An audible “aww” ran through the crowd as canines associated with Top Dog Therapy Team trotted in the parade, with some heading to either side to get pets from onlookers. President Rodney Little said that reaction is what brought about 13 members of the group back for the second year.

“Just seeing the kids’ faces last year in the community,” he said.

The dogs were excited; some wore coats while others had on costumes. Little is planning on a float for next year’s parade.