'Iconic' Parade Turns 50

Next week, 50,000 to 60,000 people are expected to descend on downtown for its venerable parade—one that is celebrating its 50th birthday this year.

“We’ve been fortunate to create one of the most iconic events in the county,” borough Manager Terry Hazlett said. “This is a real milestone for the borough.”

He attributes the parade’s yearly success to the dedication of the committee of volunteers who work to make it a reality.

In fact, he said, while many committees and boards lack interested volunteers, there is a waiting list for the one that oversees Fourth of July festivities.

“That’s how dedicated people are for the Fourth,” he said.

Events kick off at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 3, with the “Blast before the Fourth” in the Luksis Lot, downtown. The event will feature three bands and the winners of the Parade of Chairs contest will be announced—with trophy awards for Most Original Chair and Most Patriotic Chair. Festivities continue through 9 p.m.

The annual Whiskey Rebellion 5K Race will begin at 7:45 July 4 and festivities will continue with the ringing of the church bells at 9 a.m., followed by remarks by Canonsburg Mayor David H. Rhome and Fourth of July Committee Chairwoman Mary Maslanik at the Parking Lot reviewing stand at 9:05 a.m.

This year, the parade will be announced from two locations—from the Salandra parking lot and from the Luksis Lot.

Masters of Ceremony will be entertainer Bobby Shawn and Hazlett.

The parade—which Hazlett said will likely be one of the longest to date—begins at 10 a.m.

Parade marshals are its founding fathers—Anthony L. Colaizzo, Ed Snarey and Mario DiPalma. Celebrity Marshal is Honorable recognitions will also be given to the Canon-McMillan high school wrestlers who won the PIAA State Team Duals Championships and PIAA State Individual Championships.

At noon, the party moves to Town Park, where there will be free admission to Town Park Pool (which will feature a disc jockey, games, prizes, free animal balloons and the Ultimate Gaming Trailer, along with a rock-climbing wall, moon bounce, giant slide and other inflatables).

At 2 p.m., a skydiver is scheduled to jump into the pool, too.

Entertainment at the Main Pavilion includes the SNPJ Button Box and the Tom Terling Band.

Big Mac Stadium will host the evening events beginning at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, and the fun includes an Ultimate Gaming Trailer that will be available from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., with entertainment beginning at 7:45 p.m. with David’s Music House Band (featuring recording artist Vicky Andreis).

Skydivers are slated at 8:45 p.m., followed by a performance by Adam Brock at 9 p.m. Bobby Shawn will be master of ceremonies.

A fireworks display—rumored to be one of the largest in borough history—will kick off at 10 p.m.

Editor's Note: For an