Little Red Riding Hood
The Wolf
Thousands of people lined the streets of Hellertown to watch the 2018 Saucon Valley Spirit Parade, which was held Sunday afternoon on a sunny but chilly day.
Parade Grand Marshal and longtime announcer Stanley “Bud” Prosser was recognized during the parade by its chairman, Mayor David Heintzelman.
The theme for the parade was “Fairy Tales,” and something new was a candy refill station at the post office, which Hellertown Postmaster Joe DiRusso said distributed more than 250 pounds of donated candy to marchers who were throwing it out by the handful along the entire route.
“Special thanks to Sandy Tierney (from the Hellertown Post Office) and her friends Ashley and Tina who passed out the candy to everyone,” DiRusso said. “Next year’s goal is 500 pounds of candy!”
Below are the official results as determined by this year’s parade judges: Aubrey Herrera, Allee Nolf, Jimmy Skibo, Diana Miller and Kelsey Kemmerer.
Best Appearing Float
- 1st Place: Saucon Valley Dance Conservatory
- 2nd Place: Saucon Valley Karate Academy
- 3rd Place: Drumming With Dan Andree
Best Appearing Individual
- 1st Place: Griffin Kerr, “Jack and the Beanstalk”
- 2nd Place: Ada Kehler, Ada & Archie’s Magnificent Awesome Magic Show
- 3rd Place: Kimberly Brand, “Two of a Kind”
Best Appearing Group
- 1st Place: Megan Cowell, “Cowell’s Jolly Oliver and Crew”
- 2nd Place: En Avant School of Dance
- 3rd Place: A Furry Tail Come True Doggie Daycare and the Center for Animal Health and Welfare
Judge’s Choice – Theme: “Fairy Tales”
- 1st Place: Janice Repnyek, “Queen Weenie & Her Weinerettes”
- Runner-Up: Friends of the Hellertown Area Library
All photos below are by Chris Christian.
Saucon Source presented the parade live on Facebook. The video of the entire parade as it passed by in the 600 block of Main Street is in the embedded post below.
The Saucon Valley Spirit Parade committee is chaired by David Heintzelman, and the parade is made possible through the generous support of many local individuals, families and businesses.
“Thank you very much for everyone who succeeded in bringing community fun to Saucon Valley,” Heintzelman said Monday in a Facebook post, adding that his daughter Sara Heintzelman played a leadership role in it. “All the volunteers and community leaders…made the difference in this year’s parade.”
Spirit parade grand marshal Stanley “Bud” Prosser is presented with a proclamation by parade chairman and Hellertown mayor David Heintzelman. Prosser is a former borough business owner, well-known community volunteer and was the longtime announcer for the parade.
2018 Saucon Valley Spirit Parade Grand Marshal Stanley “Bud” Prosser rides in a convertible in the parade Sunday.
Hellertownn Borough Manager Cathy Hartranft and husband Rick Hartranft
State Rep. Robert Freeman (D-136), whose district includes Hellertown borough and parts of Lower Saucon Township.
The traditional “candy dash.”
Saucon Valley Athletic Director and marching band volunteer Bob Frey gives a wave.
Saucon Valley Homecoming Court members, from left, Katherine Naiburg, King Calver Gallard, Brandon McIntosh and Queen Zoe Zaharakis.
2018 Saucon Valley Homecoming Court member Evangelos Hahalis
Lisa DiRusso and son Frannie ride on the Saucon Valley Youth Sports Assocation float in the parade.
Pitstop the Clown
The owners and staff of Saylor’s & Co. of Hellertown in the parade
The Creekview Veterinary Hospital float was pulled on a tractor driven by Mike Meixell.
The Yardumian family and friends on their vintage Bryn Athyn fire truck.
Richard Marcks
Janice Repnyek, co-owner of Mike’s Kids Doggie Shop in Hellertown, was Queen Weenie and accompanied by her ‘Weinerettes’ on an award-winning float.
The heating oil delivery truck fleet of Bucks Run Oil of Lower Saucon Township appeared in Division 6.