Rain doesn't stop BA Memorial Day parade

Although the weather may have been gloomy, that did not stop members of the Bellwood Borough and Antis Township communities from attending the annual Memorial Day Parade.

Despite the threat of rain, a decent-sized wreath still lined the streets in the early hours of Monday, May 27.

According to Bob Whiteford, treasurer of Excelsior Fire Department No. 1 in Bellwood, about 300 to 400 people were in attendance.

“Normally we have a participation of around 1,000 people in each street: he declared. “This year the crowds were definitely down. I think the weather probably motivated that. But there was still a good crowd and the response to the parade was pleasant.

The parade followed the same route that has become familiar to residents of Antis Township and the Borough of Bellwood. It started at Houser’s Subs and went down Tuckahoe Road.

Then the procession headed toward Main Street, continuing its way to Boyles Street. It then traveled down Martin Street before finally ending in the Bellwood-Antis High School parking lot.

Whiteford said the parade is open to everyone and anyone who wants to participate in the event is more than welcome.

“It’s still a decent-sized parade, as far as the participants go,” he said. “Excelsior is still involved, of course, but so are many other local services. Whores from Tyrone and Pinecroft… they were all there.

“Bellwood Borough Police led the parade, and there were members of the VFW and several military guards,” Whiteford continued. “The Bellwood-Antis High School Band was there, and players from the girls softball team and all of the Bellwood baseball teams were walking or riding on floats.”

Whiteford admitted that this year’s Memorial Day parade was not the best the community has ever seen. However, he added that it was pretty decent overall.

“The weather may have held some people back and kept them inside, but we still had a great turnout,” he said. “There were a lot of honest people who supported the veterans, and they were there. »

He added that he was grateful to all those who participated, both participants and spectators of the parade, concluding that the most important thing is that veterans of the armed forces are respected and supported.

“I’m glad everyone came out to represent and show their support for veterans,” remarked Whiteford. “Hopefully next year we can do better with the weather.”