Rain could not dampen holiday spirits in Oakmont and Verona as about a thousand people stopped by the two boroughs for the annual Hometown Christmas and parade on Nov. 23.
The event featured performances by Greater Harmony Chorus, a dance troupe from Kelsey’s Dance and Fitness Center, St. Irenaeus Preschool carolers and Redeemer Lutheran School singers.
Numerous vendors and local businesses had tents and tables lined up along Allegheny River Boulevard in Oakmont, which was closed from Pennsylvania to Washington avenues.
Mystery Lovers Bookshop offered a letters for Santa writing workshop, and Castle Toys and Games had a mailbox designated for those letters.
The parade began in Verona along East Railroad Avenue near the borough building around 5 p.m., just when it started to rain.
Sprinkles turned into a downpour as the parade made its way down the boulevard soaking marchers and onlookers.
That did not stop more than a dozen floats, 25 decorated jeeps, Riverview School District marching band, local and state officials as well as firefighters from Verona, Oakmont, Penn Hills, Plum, Upper Burrell and Blawnox from participating.
The McShea family received top marks from parade judges for their Toy Story 4 float complete with Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head on top of the truck, several homemade-costumed characters from the movie walking along side and music icon Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” playing from the float speakers.
Musician Bill Deasy served as the parade grand marshal. Pittsburgh-based Greater Pitt Tree Service was the main sponsor.
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived via Oakmont fire truck and closed out the parade.
