Greensburg Holiday Parade to honor health care workers

Health care workers will take center stage at the Greensburg Holiday Parade this weekend.

On Saturday, health care workers from Westmoreland County will lead the parade through downtown Greensburg as grand marshals. The event will be a way for city officials and community members to thank those in the medical field for their work during the covid-19 pandemic.

“The covid-19 pandemic has taken a toll on everyone since its beginning, but especially so for all of those health care workers on the front line of the pandemic,” said Lydia Kinkaid, the city’s recreation program manager. “They have been working tirelessly to test and treat patients. … We feel it’s a simple way to say ‘thank you’ for all of their hard work.”

This year’s event comes after the 2020 parade was canceled because of the pandemic. At the time, city leaders said there was no way to limit attendance or ensure social distancing at the parade, which typically draws about 8,000 spectators. This year, officials are asking attendees to be respectful of each other and to social distance if possible.

“We’re just excited to honor them and thank them for everything they have gone through,” Councilwoman Sheila Brumley said.

The parade will begin at noon at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art and end at city hall. In addition to the health care workers, the parade will feature city council members and different businesses and organizations. Candy will be handed out to attendees, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the end of the parade.

“We are very excited to have the holiday parade this year after having to cancel last year due to the covid-19 pandemic,” Kinkaid said. “We hope the parade helps to bring in holiday cheer to all of those in attendance.”

The parade also will kick off the Downtown Greensburg Home for the Holidays, which features several holiday events throughout November and December. Included in those events are the Greensburg Holiday Market on Sunday, a holiday window unveiling Monday and a luminary night Dec. 2.

A full schedule can be found on the Greensburg Community Development Corporation’s website at thinkgreensburg.com.