Parade brings community together, supports firefighters
WORTHINGTON, Armstrong County — While Halloween may still be four months away, the Main Street in Worthington was filled with costumed children taking to the streets.
The Worthington-West Franklin Volunteer Fire Department as part of their annual weeklong fundraising carnival hosted a “Kiddie Parade” that was followed with a concert performed by The Full Throttle Band On Wednesday, June 21.
Proceeds to the event went to the Volunteer Fire Department.
“When we started this a few years ago it was about 50 kids,” Terry Smith, president of the Worthington-West Franklin Volunteer Fire Department and chairman for the carnival said. “I think we were well over 200 kids today.”
Children donned costumes ranging from superheros to princess lined up to take the nearly half mile stroll through main street as they made their way to the carnival.
Robert Bowser, a lifelong resident of Worthington has been watching the parade for at least five decades.
“I like to see the kids,” Bowser said. “They seem to enjoy it and it supports the fire company. We have a great fire company here and they put on a good show all week.”
The “Kiddie Parade” is just one of the events that take place during the six day carnival. This proceeds from this year’s carnival will help pay off the new fire truck that was purchased two months ago.
“We bought a truck for the department for about $1.5 million. We still owe about $135,000,” Smith said. “We’re hoping this year’s carnival helps get that balance to come down.”
While many kids walked with their parents, some rode their bikes. Worthington Borough police Chief Lou Zelepos handed out helmets to riders without head protection.
“Our department partners up with UPMC to make sure kids are protected,” Zelepos said. “We think it’s a great opportunity for young ones to enjoy riding their bikes but still act safe. Plus it gives us a chance to interact with the kids and let them know we’re here to protect.”
Mayor James Boyer believes that not only does the carnival help the community keep taxes down while keeping the local volunteer fire department up-to-date with equipment, it’s also a way to keep the community together.
“I think this is a great way for our community to come together,” Boyer said. “I also think this event helps the young people respect the community they are a part of.”
The sponsor for the evening’s event, MECALL Services’ President Jesse Hickman, saw this event as not only a way to raise money for the fire department but as a way to community build.
“We felt it was a good community builder to support the families,” Hickman said. It’s an opportunity for everyone to get a chance to get out and interact with one another in a fast paced world.“
This will be the third year that Hickman has sponsored the parade. He looks forward to him and his employees getting the chance to take part of a good cause and spend time with their fellow neighbors.
“It’s hard to get together, with he hustle and bustle and social media, but nothing beats seeing someone face to face,” Hickman said. “It’s what I look forward to, having a sense of community, keeping it community based.”
