It’s almost time for the Santa Claus Parade in Philadelphia — and we’re here to give you an inside look at this year’s parade.
From celebrity performances to the Flour Truck making its parade debut and with new floats, spectators can expect a spectacle this year.
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“I think the Indy 500 tries to set the standard, but I think the Santa Claus Parade in Philadelphia takes that and goes beyond that and we have five events to make it a total holiday delight,” Parade Producer Gregg Baxter said.
The people behind the event this year include:
Baxter, Mr. and Mrs. Snowflake and Joyce Arfanowitz of Mortar and Stone
Arfanowitz, Mr. and Mrs. Shoemaker and Craig Craig of Tavern downtown
Baxter, owner of Creative Resources, Inc.
Deckin’ Out the Senior Staff: Father Brian Rado, Father Joe Garone, Mr. and Mrs. John Fleming, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Kent, Mike Waksman, Mike’s Wife, Annie
Who better to fill the roles of the kids at each stop of the route than children from North Philadelphia School?
“My company, Creative Resources, Inc., got involved with the parade about six or seven years ago, and last year, they [North Philadelphia School] bought me a mayor whistle,” said Craig Craig, who has a 10-year-old daughter, Savannah.
Craig is also thrilled to be a part of the parade.
“The city of Philadelphia, working with Creative Resources Inc., I thought would be a perfect fit for us, and we are so happy to be apart of the show,” he said.
With a special appearance from Vice President Mike Pence, the top four or five events of the parade are fun-filled from start to finish.
Guests at each of the five sites are treated to:
a live band
local artists
fireworks
the rain
The parade, hosted by Scott Pelley, begins at 2 p.m. at 23rd and Girard. The event takes over several downtown locations including:
23rd Street
24th Street
2nd Street
27th Street
13th Street
28th Street
31st Street
Morris Arboretum
It will also wrap up at Pennsylvania Station on Market Street
The parade ends with what organizers refer to as “parade de la barricade” where hundreds of thousands of spectators will be able to take pictures and meet the annual Parade Honorary Grand Marshal, Vice President Mike Pence.
Pat Campbell is Executive Producer for Inside Sources.