Greensburg Holiday Parade scheduled to return this year

After being canceled last year because of the covid-19 pandemic, the Greensburg Holiday Parade is scheduled to return.

Officials in the city’s recreation department have begun collecting applications for those wishing to participate in the parade, which is scheduled for noon Nov. 20.

“I’m very excited,” said Lydia Kinkaid, recreation program manager. “I thought the 2019 parade was just such a great time. It was sad that it couldn’t happen last year, but it’s understandable.”

The city canceled the 2020 parade, citing safety concerns as covid-19 cases continued to spike. Officials at the time said there was no way to limit attendance or ensure social distancing at the parade, which typically draws about 8,000 spectators.

Decisions regarding possible covid mitigation policies at this year’s parade have not yet been made. Any decisions will be up to the the mayor and council, Kinkaid said. Councilwoman Sheila Brumley said discussions will take place at future meetings, noting that officials will continue to monitor the number of covid cases in the region and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Other plans, including the logistics of the parade, have remained largely similar to previous years. According to Kinkaid, the parade will follow its traditional route along Main Street, beginning at the bridge near the Westmoreland Museum of American Art and ending near city hall.

In 2019, the parade featured more than 100 floats, bands, dance companies and firetrucks that led the way down Main Street for Santa Claus, who provided the grand finale.

“I’m really excited that it is returning,” Brumley said. “We can finally come together as a city community and share the holiday parade because it is loved by so many people.”

Those interested in participating in this year’s parade can submit an application to the Greensburg recreation department via email, rec@greensburgpa.org, or call the department at 724-834-4880. The name of the group, organization or business must be submitted as well as a point of contact and mailing address.

Brumley noted about 50 applications have been received so far, which is higher than normal. The deadline to apply is Nov. 4.

In addition to applications being accepted for the parade, interested vendors can submit applications for the Greensburg Holiday Market. The market will take place on three nights — Oct. 31, Nov. 21 and Dec. 19 — from noon to 4 p.m. along South Pennsylvania Avenue. Vendors can submit their applications on the Downtown Greensburg Project’s website.

“We’re just really excited to bring (the parade) back and start the planning process and get everybody in the holiday spirit,” Kinkaid said.