The Hamburg King Frost Parade returns for its 59th year thanks to an outpouring of community support.
“Expect a good time! We have a lot of new entries and the community seems excited to have this Hamburg tradition continue,” parade co-chairs Derek Leibensperger and Colleen Witman said in a statement.
Traditionally held the last Saturday of October, the parade is scheduled for downtown Hamburg at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28. The rain date is the following Saturday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m.
“Many people have stepped up to volunteer to ensure the parade will go down the street this year,” said Leibensperger and Witman. “Pin sales are also up this year, and we have a high likelihood of selling out this year. We also had generous donations from many local businesses — Savage Auto Group, ES Savage, The Westy, Manderbach Ford, to name a few — as well as individuals of the Hamburg community.”
Previously, organizers announced in September that a lack of volunteers had left them with little choice but to cancel the parade. A meeting on the need for volunteers drew a crowd of more than 100 along with numerous offers of aid from residents and local businesses.
Following the announcement of the parade’s return for the 59th year, organizers then called on businesses and individuals to participate in the parade.
“We do have a lot of new businesses added to the parade, as well as several families that are participating as well as walking groups,” the organizers said. “We’ve also invited several new food vendors to set up shop around town.”
As of Oct. 19, the parade co-chairs confirmed that more than 85 entries were signed up to participate. Entries will be accepted until Oct. 24, after press deadline.
“The community has been very supportive and really stepped up to help,” said Leibensperger and Witman. “We hope this momentum will continue in the years to come.”
A Hamburg tradition
The King Frost Parade in its current form began in 1964, when the Hamburg Jaycees revived a decades old pre-Halloween celebration dating to 1910.
“For most, the King Frost Parade signifies a homecoming, our childhood, Hamburg at its core,” organizers said in its original Facebook post. “In its heyday, the parade welcomed in upwards of 20 different high school bands, floats, marching groups, local dignitaries, and celebrities. It was broadcast on TV and covered well by local newspapers.”
Until this year the parade was staged by the Hamburg Jaycees, but several months ago that group folded, and the nonprofit King Frost Parade Inc. took charge.
“The purpose of the parade is to bring people into Hamburg and to welcome the cooler weather,” the co-chairs said in a statement.
“An excuse to enjoy some french fries, funnel cake and tons of candy doesn’t hurt either,” they added.
The parade costs about $25,000 annually to run, according to organizers.
“We’d like to thank the community for their outpouring of support and willingness to help with the parade. We’d also like to thank all the businesses and individuals that have donated to the parade,” the co-chairs said.
King Frost pins for sale for $5 can be found at Adams & Bright, Lazy Dog Vintage, Hamburg Antiques, Ruthanne Luckenbill Hair Salon and the Hamburg Strand. Organizers will also be selling pins the night of the parade, if they are still available.
Those looking for more information on the parade, volunteering or donating can email kingfrostparade@gmail.com.
A link to donate online is available on the King Frost Facebook page, and donations can also be mailed to King Frost Parade, PO Box 488, Hamburg, PA 19526, made payable to King Frost Parade.
Source: Berkshire mont
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