Bristol Holiday Parade

A few weeks ago, on the advice of a friend, I took Chase to the Bristol Holiday Parade. Bunny came with us (Daddy was going to go, but Penn State was playing and, you know, priorities) and even though it was a chilly, windy day, we had a great time.

I absolutely love Bristol Borough. It's adorable, the architecture is so pretty and and the neighborhoods have a real 1950's feel to them. The parade was a perfect illustration of this. It was like stepping back into a Norman Rockwell painting. Families, friends, neighbors all lined Pond St., bundled up in blankets and winter coats, eagerly awaiting the start of the parade. Everyone seemed to know each other. A lot of the homes along the parade route took advantage of their location and had tables with crock pots full of delicious smelling food, kegs of beer, and bottles of wine. People clutched cups of coffee and hot chocolate and the atmosphere was nothing short of festive and comfortable.

The parade itself was a little late getting started but once it did, we weren't disappointed. It was your usual hometown parade, nothing overly fancy, but very cute and it seemed like everyone (both participants and spectators) were having so much fun. Chase loved the marching bands, the firetrucks, the veterans in uniform, and the various characters in costume. He was especially enthralled when the different groups threw candy into the crowds, and he was able to try his first candy cane (the verdict: not impressed).

We weren't able to stay for the entire parade, as Chase started to get a little tired and cold (it was right in the middle of naptime, so I was amazed he lasted as long as he did). We packed up our stuff and headed home, feeling like we had kicked off the holiday season perfectly. 

Excited boy

Just couldn't stay in his stroller any longer

Chase loved the old fire trucks

Congressman Patrick Murphy and the Philly Phanatic

Chase meets Spiderman!

...and Winnie the Pooh!

What Philly-area parade would be complete without Mummers?