The parade is a joint project of the Bellefonte Historical and Cultural Association (BHCA) and Helen Foxx & Co. It will be held Easter Sunday afternoon on the Allegheny St. sidewalk between Helen Foxx & Co. and the northern branch of East High St. and finishing up at the Centre County Courthouse lawn. The object of the parade is to help celebrate Easter by dressing up, having some fun, and helping to provide food for those who need it.

How to Participate

The parade has no entry fee, but you should register in advance to help things run smoothly. You can register by visiting events.bellefontearts.org
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Sign in before the parade at Helen Foxx & Co. to pick up your number (used by our judges) and maybe drop off some food, cash, or a check for the Faith Centre Food Bank. You can sign in between 1:00 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. on the day of the parade.

Follow the instructions of our parade marshals as you line up for the parade.

Wait for the music – you will be hearing Easter Parade, played live by our musicians. When it’s time, march slowly along the sidewalk, waving to your fans if you have them. When you reach the judging station in front of the Courthouse, stop a moment, maybe spin around, while the judges take a good look at you in your Easter outfit. Our judges will be looking for CLASS, SASS, and CREATIVITY. This parade is meant to create a little joy and to do some good, so it should be approached with a light heart.

After you pass the judging station, keep walking to the end of the block and then turn left and enter the reception area on the Courthouse lawn for cookies, punch, and conversation.

Stick around while the judges are adding up the scores to pick the winners. You might get lucky and take home $50. A prize will be awarded to a participant in each category. No matter what, you will already be a winner because you've had fun and helped make Bellefonte more interesting. And you may have assisted those who need help feeding their families.

You can compete in one of four categories: student (high school or younger), single adult, couple, and family (three or more people). Our judges will evaluate the marchers as they pass by the Courthouse steps. The judges’ scores will be added together for each competitor, and an extra point will be added for those who make a monetary or food donation to the Faith Centre Food Bank when they sign in before the beginning of the parade.

This is all new, so you may have questions. If you do, please call Joseph Griffin at 484-331-4856 and he will do his best to answer them.