By Bill Bates
Mount Ephraim News Correspondent
On Saturday, December 13 the 14th Annual Christmas Parade of Lights was held in Mount Ephraim . \”It was one of our best parades ever with over 54 decorated emergency vehicles, town floats and musical floats that participated this year\” said Parade Co-Chair & Mount Ephraim Fire Department’s (MEFD) Deputy Fire Chief Brian Gilmore.
The parade that drove large crowds along Kings Highway lasted a good hour and a half. Special appearances were made by the Haddonfield School of Dance, Nancy Mulford School of Dance and the R. W Kershaw School Band. Floats were entered by the Mount Ephraim Celebration Committee, Mount Ephraim Little League, Mount Ephraim Police Department D.A.R.E. and Town Watch Programs.
Photo by John Lafferty III
ACCEPTING AWARD – Mr. Andy Gilmore Sr. (far right) proudly accepts the D.A.R.E. Sgt. Denny Kerper Memorial Award from the Kerper Family and the Mount Ephraim Fire Department after the 14th Annual Christmas Parade. Mr. Gilmore has assisted the MEFD year after year as the event emcee to one of the largest crowds along the parade route in front of the Mary Bray School . From left are Mr. & Mrs. Claus, the Kerper Family; Michelle & baby Haley, Ryan, Pat, Chris & Kevin, Parade Co-Chairman Brian Gilmore, Mrs. Linda Kerper, Parade Chairman Bill Bates, Tim Kerper, and Mr. Andy Gilmore Sr.
The theme for the fire department’s float this year was \”Supporting Our Troops\”. Project Supporting Our Troops Chairperson Linda Hill and a firefighter with the MEFD said \”We wanted to do something different this year and something that would help others\”.
The unique float traveled to neighboring towns parades this holiday season and won 300 dollars in prize money for the patriotic theme that got cheers from spectators at every parade it went to. Like Mount Ephraim , most towns now give out checks for parade prizes instead of trophies, which helps offset the cost of creating the float. MEFD members collected over 200 items to donate to the troops in addition to the prize money that was won from neighboring towns parades. The money will go to Troop Support 08059 to use in upcoming projects for the troops.
MEFD President Rich Holmes said \”When our members wanted to not only create a float for Santa & Mrs. Claus for our parade, but a float to honor those serving our country and to collect items to send to them for the holidays, we went all out on the idea\”. \”It was the perfect way to say thank you to all of those who protect us on the front lines\” Holmes further added.
GIVING DONATION – Members of the Mount Ephraim Fire Department (MEFD) pose in front of their Supporting Our Troops float to present over 200 donated items and a check for $300.00 to Troop Support 08059. From left are MEFD members Ryan Holmes, Tara Iannce, Linda Hill, Troops Support Treasurer Lisa Stressman, Chairperson Karen Popelak, MEFD member Bill Bates and President Richard Holmes.
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