Classic cars sported holiday ribbons and decorations as they drove down Main Street during the Lansdale Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday, Nov. 18 2023. Photo by James Short.
VIPs, floats to roll through town Saturday
A longstanding borough tradition will have a new addition this year.
Borough officials gave a preview earlier this month of the 73rd annual Lansdale Mardi Gras Parade, slated for Saturday, Nov. 23.
“We have instituted a Grand Marshal this year. We will have the recipient of the lifetime achievement award, be the parade grand marshal. So Anne Henning-Scheuring will lead us down Main Street,” said council President Mary Fuller.
Each year, borough businesses, community groups, local dignitaries and more, proceed down Main Street on floats or in classic cars as they roll through the town. This year’s parade will start at 1 p.m. on Nov. 23, in the vicinity of Main and Mitchell Streets near Domino’s Pizza, and will end at Memorial Park at Main and Line Streets.
The theme of the parade is "Hollywood Holidays," and a judging panel of local dignitaries will rule on the best floats in certain categories. Awards given last year went to winners in categories for dignitaries, emergency services vehicles, marching bands, antique vehicles, commercial, walking, talent, floats, people's choice, and honorable mention.
According to organizing nonprofit Discover Lansdale, the Mardi Gras parade dates back to 1950 when members of the Lansdale Chamber of Commerce and the Jaycees wanted to find a way to nudge community members to start shopping for the holidays. The steering committee decided to organize a holiday parade featuring Santa Claus, held a naming contest for residents, and received few entries, with the committee selecting Mardi Gras as the best option.
For more information on the parade visit www.DiscoverLansdale.org or search for "Lansdale Holiday Mardi Gras Parade" on Facebook.
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