GREENCASTLE — Hundreds lined the chilly streets of Greencastle on Sunday for the annual Christmas Parade, a procession of floats, marching bands and holiday cheer that kicked off the season with a barrage of tossed candy.
Grand Marshal Holland Doyle led the way as the event unfolded along Main Street, drawing families bundled against the November chill. Organizers estimated tons of sweets — from lollipops to hard candies — rained down on spectators, turning the sidewalks into a sticky tableau of festive foraging.
High school marching bands from Greencastle-Antrim, Waynesboro, Chambersburg, McConnellsburg and Warfordsburg Southern Fulton set a rhythmic pace, their brass and drums echoing off brick storefronts. Boy Scouts of America Troop 99 of Greencastle waved flags alongside baton-twirling Superstar Twirlers of St. Thomas.
The Pennsylvania Dairy Princess promoted local agriculture from her perch, while the Greencastle United Soccer Club kicked off goodwill with high-energy chants. Floats from Grocery Outlet and the Franklin County Fair Princess added commercial sparkle, trailed by F&M Trust’s jeep and Majestic Competitive Allstar Cheer’s pom-pom precision.
A&B Dance Dimensions and Clarissa’s School of Performing Arts delivered synchronized routines, as WellSpan Health and Rescue Hose Company No. 1 of Greencastle rolled by in emergency-themed vehicles. Martin’s Food Market’s float dispensed more treats, joined by Longmeadow Volunteer Fire Company and Smithsburg Volunteer Fire Department’s vintage firetruck.
A convoy of Jeeps rumbled past, followed by the Greencastle Blue Devils youth football team and Greencastle-Antrim Baseball and Softball Association. Greystone Kennels paraded pooches in holiday bandanas, while Little Miss Shippensburg Fair Aspyn Jumper waved regally.
Garvin Sigs Pro Trick Lettering flipped signs with flair, and 4-H members showcased rural pride. Greencastle’s PIAA District 3A champion volleyball team spiked enthusiasm, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spread yuletide messages.
Greencastle Lube Center and Antrim Fleet Services’ float kept the mechanical theme rolling, with Franklin County Special Olympics’ entry honoring inclusion. A 1954 Autocar diesel from Maryland chugged along beside a tractor brigade, and K.C. Mobile Welding LLC sparked interest with custom displays.
Martin Water Conditioning hydrated the crowd metaphorically, while a school bus gift initiative highlighted community giving. Blue Devils cheerleaders rallied roars, and Scoops on the Square scooped up smiles with ice cream-themed antics.
Bloom Dance Studio pirouetted through, capped by Grace Bible Church’s float and Buchanan Trails Ranch LLC and Pony Parties’ equine entourage. Dozens more businesses dotted the route, from local shops to service providers, underscoring Greencastle’s tight-knit holiday heartbeat.
As dusk settled, parade-goers dispersed with bags bulging and spirits lifted, already anticipating next year’s merry march.
