Glenside Fourth of July parade celebrates its 120th year — one of the longest running in the Philly region
Glenside, which lies within Cheltenham and Abington townships in Montgomery County, has dubbed itself as the “July Fourth capital of the East and beyond.”
The Glenside Fourth of July Parade in Montgomery County is the oldest in the Philadelphia region. (Courtesy of the Greater Glenside Patriotic Association)
Got a question about life in Philly’s suburbs? Our suburban reporters want to hear from you! Ask us a question or send an idea for a story you think we should cover.
Some Glenside residents start setting up their chairs the day before, to ensure a good view. That’s part of the tradition, says Jamey Piggott, president of the Greater Glenside Patriotic Association, the group that organizes Glenside’s Fourth of July events.
The Glenside parade has been running for 120 years — one of the oldest Fourth of July parade in the Philadelphia region and in the country.
The area, which lies within Cheltenham and Abington townships in Montgomery County, has dubbed itself as the “July Fourth capital of the East and beyond,” Piggott says.
Related Content
Cyclists end 700-mile commemorative journey at Independence Mall
Cyclists from the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance ended the 700-mile trek in Philadelphia on Monday.
1 year ago
The parade includes 20 musical acts and 40 entertainment acts in total, from five different states. It’s an “eclectic” mix, said Piggot, “which we are very proud of.”
Acts include the Philadelphia Mummers’ Fralinger String Band, the Marching Cobras drill and dance team from the Bronx, and the San Simón Caporales Bolivian-American dancers and musicians from Alexandria, Virginia.
The Philadelphia Phillies’ Philly Phanatic will make an appearance, sponsored by Glenside’s Daryl’s Pastries and Ralph’s Barber Shop. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who grew up in Abington Township, is also walking the parade.
Related Content
Food insecurity was the fifth most pressing need facing Lower Merion Township residents, according to the township’s 2022 community need assessment.
1 year ago
The celebration began as a firemen’s parade, said Piggott, and has grown to be more about entertainment. But keeping with the tradition, the parade’s grand marshal this year is retired Weldon Fire Company chief, Charles “Bud” Gerhard III. He served the Weldon Fire Company for 42 years.
The marching begins at 4 p.m. through the center of Glenside. It starts at Edge Hill and Jenkintown roads, travels East on Jenkintown Road, south on Easton Road, east on Waverly Road, and ends at Renninger Memorial Park at Waverly Road and Keswick Ave.
The day closes with fireworks at 9 p.m. at Abington High School.
Editors note: A previous version of this story misstated the event’s standing as the oldest in the Philly region.
Get daily updates from WHYY News!
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
In Montco, Second Wind Bicycles repairs and delivers bikes to people who need them the most
The nonprofit distributed 650 bikes last year to people in need throughout Montgomery, Berks and Bucks counties.
2 days ago
For Steve Sims, the holiday offers an opportunity for residents to consider how they can engage in the “unfinished work of creating a more perfect union.”
1 week ago
Sunday’s Juneteenth Parade and Festival in Philadelphia served as a “celebration and homage to our ancestors.”
4 weeks ago
