Santa Claus is coming to town Saturday — and he’ll be transported not by a tiny red-nosed reindeer but one big red fire engine.
Yes, it’s time for the borough’s annual (
and famously mis-named) tradition: The 71st Mardi Gras Parade will kick off down Main Street from Mitchell Ave. east, at 1 p.m. on Nov. 19.
This year’s parade will be one of the biggest in years: More than 80 entries will march, float, stroll or strum their way down Main, past crowds of fans lining the streets, to ultimately compete for awards at the judging stands at Memorial Park.
Schools, churches, fire companies and other first responders, sports teams and marching bands, businesses and community organizations will all be among the participants this year.
And leading the pack for the first time:
The famed Oscar Meyer Weinermobile!
This year’s theme, in keeping with 2022’s yearlong celebration of Lansdale’s 150th birthday, is "Victorian Holidays.” First place will be awarded for the Best Presentation in each entry type —marching band, talent group, antique vehicle, marching/walking, equestrian, emergency services and dignitaries — except for floats, which will be awarded for Best Presentation of Parade Theme, Best Presentation of Non-Commercial Entry, and Mayor’s Choice.
The audience will get to vote for their own fan favorite via QR codes distributed along the route and on
Discover Lansdale's Mardi Gras Facebook page. And one special fire department has been chosen for the honor of hosting St. Nick’s grand entrance into Lansdale for the holiday season. (The big guy will also once again be answering letters to Santa, which folks can leave in his mailbox at his holiday home across from Railroad Plaza.)
This year's collectible, commemorative buttons will be on sale along the parade route, and pretzels and hot chocolate will be available near the judging stands at Memorial Park.
Discover Lansdale, which has organized the annual event for the past two years, invites the entire community to join in the celebration, and urges visitors to spend the day in town — dine and shop Lansdale First, on Saturday and all through the holiday season.
