Cold, rainy weather fails to scare off Connellsville parade marchers
CONNELLSVILLE – Donned in a plethora of colorful costumes, adults and children alike braved inclement weather Tuesday and marched up West Crawford Avenue as part of the city’s 94th annual mummers parade. And, although Mother Nature, with chilly air and drizzling rain, didn’t cooperate, the parade participants and watchers all seemed to have a good time.
“I thought they did a real nice job this year,” said Kristin Miller of Melcroft.
Jody Turney of Connellsville said her daughters, 5-year-old Meredith and 8-year-old Page, had a lot of fun collecting candy off the street.
“The kids love coming to the parade every year,” said Turney. “As soon as they begin throwing candy, the kids get excited.”
Connellsville Area Senior High School student Sean Spaw said he especially liked the floats: “I think they’re cool.”
Allen Mellinger of Connellsville said he didn’t get to march in the parade because the Brownies and Girl Scouts from Troop 3065 and 3067 didn’t show up for the parade. Girl Scout troop leader Cathey Mellinger gave credit to little 9-year-old Victoria Gilpin, who did show up for the parade but didn’t get to march.
Mellinger said she thought the weather might have played a part in parents’ decision not to send the Scouts to the parade.
Parade marshal Joe Childs organized the event with the help from members of the New Haven Hose Co. Volunteer Fire Department.
Parade leaders were Joseph Mancuso Jr. and Charles Matthews.
Parade judges were Jack Yeager, Lee Yates, Sam Spotto Sr., Dave Mullaney, Mark Caringola, Ed Zadylak, Tom Ritenour, Don Krumanacker, Bruce Jaynes, Vinny Traynor, Sam Spotto Jr., Kevin Karwatsky, Mike Gebe, Ken Jaynes Sr. and Tom Trimpey.
Matthews, Mancuso, Dave Enany and Paul Means headed up the awards committee.
Bill Fiesta, Dave Panzella, Jeff Layton, Randy Heinbaugh, Brian Crossland, Dale Chess, Kevin Hough, Mike Napolillo and Bob Topper distributed treats.
Traffic control was under the direction of Ron Fogle, Lee Williams, Terry Conn Paul Traynor and Ken Jaynes Jr.