CHAMERSBURG, Pa. – Six thousand people gathered in downtown Chambersburg on April 18 for the EPIC Franklin County America250PA Parade. The event marked Franklin County’s celebration of the United States of America’s 250th birthday with a showcase of local history, communities, veterans, youth, agriculture and businesses.
The parade highlighted the patriotic spirit of participants and spectators of all ages. Best of all, no one has to miss the festivities. Take in the bird’s eye view here–see the parade for the first time or re-live the fun.
Organized by the Franklin County Visitors Bureau, the parade featured 100 entries. Spectators voted for their favorite participants, and nearly 4,000 votes were cast. The People’s Choice winners of the Franklin County America250PA Parade are:
Category / Theme Winners
Agriculture 1st: Franklin County Fair Royalty – $250 2nd: Franklin County Junior Fair Board – $100
Business 1st: Cumberland Valley Tree Service – $250 2nd: TB Woods/Regal Rexnord – $100
Business (Out-of-County) NaturaLawn – $2ed
Cars 1st: Classic Car Group – $250 2nd: Mason-Dixon Corvette Club – $100
Community Organization 1st: Homeless Matters – $250 2nd: Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter – $100
Fire/Rescue Apparatus 1st: Waynesboro Volunteer Fire Department – $250 2nd: St. Thomas Fire & Rescue – $100
Float 1st: Operation Christmas Child – $250 2nd: WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital – $100
Historic Organization 1st: Fort Loudoun Historical – $250 2nd: Franklin County Historical Society – $100
Marching Band – County Greencastle-Antrim High School Marching Band – $250
Marching Band – Out-of-County Western Heights Middle School (WHMS) – $250
Senior Entry 1st: Providence Place – $250 2nd: Menno Haven – $100
Veteran (Individual) Sam Worley
Veteran Organization 1st: VFW Honor Guard – $250 2nd: AFW Auxiliary – $100
Youth Entry 1st: Camp Joy El Ministries – $250 2nd: Chambersburg Memorial YMCA – $100:
County Community Winners:
Greater Chambersburg Favorite Legendz Bar – $250
Greater Fannetsburg/Path Valley Favorite Path Valley Historical Society – $250
Greater Greencastle-Antrim Favorite Antrim Township – $250
Greater Mercersburg Favorite – Lemasters Historical Society $250
Greater St. Thomas Favorite St. Thomas Lutheran Church – $250
Greater Shippensburg Favorite – Shippensburg Fair Royalty – $250
Greater Waynesboro Favorite – GRID Tractor – $250
Honorable Mentions $50 each: 4th U.S. Light Artillery Sons/Daughters of the American Revolution Franklin Logistics Jeep Wrapped American Flag Prince Snowflake
The parade is just one of many celebrations of America’s 250th birthday. The Franklin County Bell Across PAwill continue traveling to locations throughout the county during the anniversary year. When not on display at a special event, the bell is housed at the Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center on the southwest quadrant of Memorial Square in Chambersburg.
Additional community celebrations will take place throughout 2026. To keep up-to-date with coming events, visit America250PAFranklinCounty.com, ExploreFranklinCountyPA.com., or contact the Franklin County Visitors Center at 717-552-2977.
