The Ambler Main Street Christmas Parade is ready for 2024

What would the Christmas season be without the Ambler Main Street’s Annual Parade? The 2024 parade is ready to march down Butler Avenue this Saturday, with events kicking off at 1 p.m.

There is no cost to line the streets and enjoy friends, family, and the festivities of the season. Residents are welcome to pick out their “prime spot” along the route, which runs from Bethlehem Pike, turning down Main Street, and ending at the SEPTA parking lot.

“The public is welcome to put chairs out,” said Elizabeth Wahl Kunzier, Ambler Main Street’s Manager (and borough manager’s assistant, too). “Blankets – they’d get crushed by the crowd and wouldn’t be able to see with all the people standing. People actually have spots where they’ve stood for years, and they stand there every year.”

    Image courtesy of Ambler Main Street
  

Kunzier said that the celebration has always been well-attended, and many look forward to the tradition year in and year out.

“There are different and unique floats ever year, along with some tried and true traditions like the Wissahickon and Upper Dublin middle and high school marching bands, The Polish American String Band, Irish Thunder, multiple girl and boy scout troops, dance troupes, neighborhood groups, local businesses, and church groups,” said Kunzier.

    Image courtesy of Ambler Main Street
 

She said these annual gatherings are important for small towns like Ambler.

“I think traditions like this bring communities together,” said Kunzier. “There are no politics, no opinions, just being outside and enjoying the community in all facets of it.”

While business doesn’t thrive from this parade in particular (everyone is busy watching the event!), it does help folks get to know Ambler’s downtown.

“In general, people don’t hang out and shop,” said Kunzier who noted some do stay for lunch in the borough, which helps area restaurants. “Hopefully, folks will see the amazing shops we have and come back another time.”

The parade always includes some special guests, and varies with those in the parade itself.

“Every year, we have a Grand Marshal, who leads off the parade,” said Kunzier. “We try to choose someone who has been involved with the community or a business who has been here for a long time. This year, our Grand Marshal is Tony Serrao, whose family has owned State Farm in town for decades.”

Serro won’t be the only special guest, however.

“Of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there too,” she said.

Making the entire event possible is the Ambler Kiwanis.

“Ambler Kiwanis is our main sponsor for this one,” said Kunzier. “Ambler Rotary and Kiwanis and local community members volunteer as marshals to help keep the parade running smoothly the day of the event.”

Volunteers are always welcome with Ambler Main Street, who can donate time while also bringing a community together.

“It’s a great way to get involved in the community,” said Kunzier. “And it’s really fun.”

Those interested in getting involved can email Kunzier at info@amblermainstreet.org or call 215-646-1000 ext. 114.