Kids & Family

Gearing Up for Collegeville-Trappe Memorial Day Parade

Holiday festivities taking place May 27-28

The following information was submitted to PV Patch:

Families won’t want to miss the pageantry and patriotism of this year’s Collegeville-Trappe Memorial Day Parade!  Parade chairman Russ Henze and the Parade Committee have devoted countless hours to create a must-see spectacle of bands, cars, floats, marchers and other displays showcasing our veterans and our community.  This year’s parade theme, “Remembrance: of our Veterans, the Civil War and Collegeville History,” serves as a tribute to our local fallen heroes and all the men and women who fought for our country, with a special emphasis on Collegeville’s role in the Civil War.

The Memorial Day events begin on Sunday, May 27, at 10 a.m. at the across from Ursinus College. Pastor Martha Kriebel will present slides on Collegeville’s historic beginnings, including our area’s role in the Civil War.  The whole family will enjoy learning about “When Collegeville was Freeland.”   

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The parade itself begins on Monday, May 28, at 10 a.m. sharp at Waterworks Park on First Avenue in Trappe.  Boy Scout Troop 87 will hand out flags to the spectators along the route, while members of Interact, the Rotary’s service club for youth, will pass out programs. Children and families will enjoy giveaways from the parade participants and also at the parade’s end at .

When the parade reaches Trinity UCC Church, there will be a temporary stop to lay a wreath in front of the church to honor the 26 Civil War soldiers buried in the church’s cemetery.

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Highlights of the parade include:

  • A VFW Honor Guard; our local Blue Star Mothers who have lost children in action and our local Blue Star Mothers who have children presently serving in the military; veterans and Scouts from church, who will join the parade at Sixth Ave. following their church service; The Welcome Home Warriors Watch riders on their motorcycles,  the Warrior Camaro; and military vehicles;
  • Bands, including the Philadelphia German brass band, a fife and drum corps, and the Band;
  • Floats from church and community groups, businesses, historical associations and neighborhood groups;
  • Local dignitaries and Miss Perkiomen Valley and Mrs. Collegeville;
  • Antique cars, antique tractors and horses;
  • The Kids’ Bike Brigade;
  • The Dog Biscuit Brigade; and
  • The and fire companies and the .

Parade viewers should follow the EMS vehicle to Collegeville’s Community Park for a short program led by Pastor Martha Kriebel of Trinity Church and Monsignor Patrick Sweeney of St. Eleanor’s. The program includes three buglers and a bagpiper, a ceremonial flag raising, Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, and singing of “The Star Spangled Banner” led by the German Brass Band. 

Kona Ice will have a booth across from , and at the parade’s end, lunch and snacks will be available from Boy Scout Troop 87, the , , and Capt'n Chucky's Crab Cake Co.  VFW Post 7155 will hold a 50/50 raffle, with proceeds going to the United Service Organization in support of our troops overseas.  Another table will bring awareness to the Wounded Warriors of our Armed Forces.

Although the Parade Committee is no longer accepting applications from organizations or for floats, there is still time for families to join the Bike Brigade and to include you and your best friend in The Dog Biscuit Brigade.  To participate in the Bike Brigade, contact Bike Sport in Trappe at www.bikesportbikes.com, and for the Dog Biscuit Brigade, RSVP The Perk Valley Pet Eatery at 610 454 0045 or www.PVPetEatery.com.


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