“Blurred Lines” float, 77-year-old runner, local officials add color
By Kyle Carrozza, Staff Writer, The Times
Parade Grand Marshall Amy Fadool Kane of Comcast Sportsnet waves to the crowd.
COATESVILLE – The holiday season is not simply about presents and songs, turkey and stuffing, or placing wagers on how long Grandpa can stay awake on the couch before he insists he was just resting his eyes.
Holidays are about atmosphere, and the Festive 5k and Christmas Parade helped bring a joyful one into Coatesville on Saturday.
Saturday’s events kicked off with the 4th Annual Festive 5k, which had runners from 10 to 77 years old race through the city to benefit the Coatesville Youth Initiative.
Brothers and former Coatesville Cross Country runners Kyle and Owen Dawson tied for the overall best time, finishing the race in 15 minutes and 36 seconds. Kinberly Cary took the honor for fastest female runner at 19:05.
The day’s most impressive performance may have come from Joseph Krauss, who was the oldest competitor at 77.
The CASH marching band performs Coatesville’s fight songs.
Awards were also given out to the top fund-raisers, with Jennifer McNeil raising the most money in the business category, while Team Caln Cross Country raised the most money and received the community spirit award in the schools category. Over 100 volunteers participated to make the race possible.
The 5k was followed up by the city’s annual Christmas Parade. Appearances included NAACP Image Award-winner Smith III, Amy Fadool Kane of Comcast Sportsnet, who was grand marshall for the day, and perennial CASH homecoming DJ Dre Money, who, along with his 50/50 LG Entertainment, performed a mobile rendition of “Blurred Lines” that won best float for a commercial business.
Police and fire departments from all over the area led the way. Government officials, including County Commissioners Ryan Costello and Kathi Cozzone, City Council Member Ed Simpson, and lawmakers Tim Hennessey and Andy Dinniman—along with his dog—also braved the cold to walk through Coatesville.
Winners for best group, Russell’s Dance and Baton Studio, perform for the judges.
Representing the non-human crowd, Shrek and Chewbacca made appearances.
ABATE of Chester County took home the honor of best nonprofit float with flame-painted sleighs, a smoke machine, and a gentleman who looked like Santa Claus if Santa was in ZZ Top. Area Boy Scout troops, East Fallowfield Elementary, and Coatesville Little League also had floats.
A plethora of classic cars rolled through town, with Robert Blacklock’s 1934 Ford Pickup winning best antique car and Tony Maiale’s 1966 Chevy Impala SS winning in the classic automobile category.
Some of the day’s highlights were not floats but performances. Russell’s Dance and Baton Studio won best-appearing group, beating out a variety of other dance groups. String bands from Philadelphia brought colorful performances and costumes. The CASH and Lincoln University marching bands added to the sense of holiday and Coatesville spirit. CASH’s Joint Services Military Club helped with that sense of Coatesville spirit, bearing the nation’s colors as well as the Coatesville Pride banner, recently signed by hundreds of students, teachers, administrators, and residents.
DJ Dre Money and his 50/50 LG Entertainment band won best float for a commercial business.
With the full swing of shopping madness, eggnog-drunk relatives, and ugly forecasts just around the corner, the season has started in Coatesville. With tradition, talent, and weirdness, Saturday displayed the city’s unique wintery mix.
Who cares about the Parade when we just got screwed with a 37 percent tax increase.
Yes the parade was nice!! Too bad it can’t be a fun filled, safe, honest, clean, full of friendly prosperous people town everyday, not just once a year! Here’s hoping for some changes in the coming year!