NEW CASTLE —
Balloons and confetti signaled the start of the annual Wampum Christmas parade. Children pointed to the sky in amazement as balloons of various colors floated toward the clouds. Their attention was soon captured by the sirens of fire trucks.
Firefighters from Franklin Township, Ellwood City, Wayne Township, Bessemer, Enon Valley and North Beaver Township, just to name a few, were present for the parade.
Spectators were treated to a few special parade guests this year. Pittsburgh Penguins mascot, Iceberg, entertained the crowd, even borrowing a Spiderman mask from a young parade-goer and showing off his “Spidey” moves. The Pirate Parrot — the Pittsburgh Pirates mascot — hugged child upon child while making his way down Main Street.
Wampum’s parade also included appearances by the Grinch, the Cat in the Hat and the full cast of Alice in Wonderland — Alice, the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts.
The Mohawk Warrior Marching Band and the Ellwood City Marching Blue Band both performed their own renditions of classic Christmas carols.
The parade ended with Mrs. Claus, followed by the jolly man himself, Santa.
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Mrs. Claus waves to the crowd gathered at Wampum's annual Christmas parade. Courtney Caughey-Stambul
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