Immediately after sunset on the day before the parade, our judges canvassed 8th. Avenue searching for the "Best Decorated Storefront". The winner, by unanimous decision, was Tracy's Place, located at 219 E 8th. Ave. Tracy's received the Judges top scores for the talent and effort put into the overall display. There was a tie for second place between long time favorites, Penn Automotive and The Steel Valley Family Center. It was apparent to all of the judges that the effort and creativity keeps getting better and better each year.
The Decorated Window Contest was incredible, stated one judge! There were more participants than ever before, once again verifying that our business district is making a rebound. During this holiday season please take notice and stop in the businesses that are making a difference in our hometown. They include, Mr. Lees Hardware Store, Extreme Restoration, A&B Donut, Magistrate Torkowsky's Office, The Outerskin, Computer Goo Roos, MDL Insurance, Valencia's Party Balloon, Mon Valley Initiative, Shirley's Beauty Shop,Headstart, Home Cooking by Donna, Annex Cookery, Tin Front Cafe, Blemah Doo's, Retro on Eighth, The Black Mountain Spirit School of Chinese Kung Fu, Dreamz, Cricket, Duke's Upper Deck, Waterfront Embroidery, Avis Rent a Car, and Homestead Monument Works.
It was a beautiful Night in the Steel Valley. The Bridge Manger Scene was lit by the North Star, most of the wreaths on 8th Ave were glowing and the entire SV was still humming tunes from the Munhall & West Homestead Light up Night celebrations.
Volunteer judges for the window Decorating Contest were Former Barrett Elementary School Principal Doris Hyde, Vincent Guierie the General Manager of the Best Buy Waterfront Store, and Brenda Washington O'Neil, Homestead resident.
Newcomers to the Historic Steel Valley Parade, Walmart (West Mifflin) took top honors for their float dedicated to raising funds for the Children's Miracle Network. There was also a tie for second place, between, Eldercrest Nursing Home and the Steel Valley Family Center sharing the honors. The Boy and Girl Scout floats were great depictions of their scouting experiences. The floats from the local social service groups and local banks exhibited their loyalty to not just their costumers, but also to the Steel Valley area. The tributes to two of our beloved Steel Valley mentors was touching, as was the depiction of Michael Jackson. Some of the characters especially DORA, Cookie Monster and Elmo stole the show. The children were running into the street to hug each one of them. Our local Waterfront restaurants, Chick Fil a, Fuddruckers, and Eat n Park were there to help us celebrate.
The local bands were fantastic! Leading the Parade was our award winning Steel Valley Band. The beautiful holiday music and the marching provided a wonderful show of its own. The Oliver High School Band was small but mighty, with a beautiful sound and talented marchers. The West Mifflin Band, which stretched an entire city block, filled the streets with blue and gold colors and exciting holiday sounds. The Joyful Twirlers, the Duquesne -West Mifflin Boys and Girls Club, the Braddock YMCA-UPMC Steppers and Mary Ann's Dance Company showed us delightful moves as they performed in front of the reviewing stand.
It was also gratifying to see so many business represented either by a vehicle or walkers. A parade is just not a parade without our National Colors, so thanks to the Catholic War Veterans, WM R.O.T.C. and the United Sates Army. And last but not least, we had the real Santa Claus as the Parade Marshal. Mark your calendars now to join us in our celebration during the December 4, 2010 Historic Steel Valley Holiday Parade.
PS check out more photographs in the Valley Mirror and a full page Monday, December 7th edition of the McKeesport Daily News.
Happy Holidays
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