Samantha Thomas of Springdale donned three layers of clothing Saturday in an effort to keep warm during the annual Tarentum-Brackenridge Christmas Parade.
Temperatures hovered in the mid-20s under sunny skies as hundreds of parade-goers lined the streets for the 1 p.m. start.
The parade was filled with plenty of eye candy, and real candy, for the kiddos to scoop up as parade participants hurled sweet treats to onlookers.
Thomas was there to support her granddaughter, who was dancing in the parade.
“I’m going to two parades — Oakmont is later,” Thomas said. “The excitement and being around people here in Tarentum with the holiday spirit is fun.”
The parade route followed along Fifth Avenue in Tarentum and into the Corbet Street business district, then to First Avenue into Brackenridge and finished on Morgan Street.
Highlands High School Varsity Cheerleaders are gearing up for a 1 pm start Saturday at the Tarentum Brackenridge Holiday Parade. @VNDNews @TribLIVE pic.twitter.com/8FPcM8ve8j
— Joyce Hanz (@hanz_joyce) November 19, 2022
Tarentum Recreation Board president Carrie Fox said new this year were appearances from Pittsburgh Steelers mascot Steely McBeam and Pittsburgh Penguins’ mascot Iceburgh.
“This parade gathers the community and brings out the holiday spirit. Everyone gets so excited to see the floats, fire trucks, dance groups, mascots and more,” Fox said.
Siblings Adam and Isabella Eberhardt of Harrison were there for the band.
“I want to be in the Highlands Marching Band when I’m in high school. I’m learning the flute now,” Isabella said.
They both recently joined the Highlands elementary and middle school bands, respectively.
Alexis Petrosky of Tarentum brought her two children, including daughter Elliana, 3, who sported a festive reindeer headband.
“We always attend. This year we’re looking for the sun,” Petrosky said of trying to stay warm for the almost hour-long parade.
Highlands High School varsity and middle school cheerleaders marched together.
Jamee Bonnett, varsity co-coach, said the parade is always much anticipated.
“It’s starting the holiday season and just getting out here in the community,” Bonnett said.
