Need a dose of holiday spirit? Hop out of bed early this Saturday morning, December 5, bundle up the kids, grab a cup of coffee, and head into historic Coatesville to watch the Coatesville Christmas Parade, Santa Claus in tow, marching towards its fifth decade.

"Come on down and celebrate with us," says Sam Radziviliuk, president of Coatesville Christmas Parade, Inc. "Our Christmas parade is the largest and best in Chester County, and children of all ages love it."

Watching and participating in this annual community tradition is free, thanks to a committee of 30+ dedicated Coatesville-area volunteers who spend months planning the parade and raising the funds to finance it.

"We always start planning next year's parade on the day after the last parade, and this year is no exception," continues Radziviliuk. "This Saturday, we're expecting over 5,000 parade fans to show up early to their favorite viewing spot on the sidewalk along both sides of the two-mile parade route."

Lineup for all registered parade participants begins promptly at 9 a.m. on Lincoln Highway, just west of Strode Avenue. At 10 a.m., Grand Marshal Andre Gardner, from classic rock radio station WMGK 102.9, will kick off the day's events and send the parade gallivanting along Lincoln Highway (Business Route 30) between its starting point at Strode Avenue in Coatesville's West End to its ending point at the Judges' Stand at 11th Avenue near Scott Middle School.

Local parade trappings this year include vehicles from the local police departments, followed by winter-themed floats entered by community and school groups; string, marching and pep bands; performing groups; antique, classic and modified automobiles; fire trucks; more police cars and funny mascot characters. More than 200 different units will march in five different divisions. Prizes will be awarded for the: most outstanding and creative floats; best appearing groups; best antique, classic and modified vehicles; best police vehicles; and best emergency vehicle. "If sidewalk viewing doesn't appeal to you, or you live far away, you also can watch the parade via webcast on www.coatesvillechristmasparade.com," Radziviliuk says.

Three string bands--the Duffy String Band, Irish American String Band, and Avalon String Band--are featured attractions, in addition to the Chester County Emerald Society Pipe Band and the Eagles Pep Band. Other local favorites, such as the Coatesville Area High School Red Raider Marching Band and the Lukens Marching Band, will perform yuletide favorites with steppers and twirlers as they march down the street. Mascot appearances include Hip Hop from the 76ers; Cylo representing the Lancaster Barnstormers, and Mighty Mac from Immaculata University.

The biggest attraction is, of course, Santa Claus, who arrives from the North Pole just in time to ride a bright colored fire engine and wish everyone a "very Happy Holiday."

As long as it is safe to do so, the Coatesville Christmas Parade will be held. In the event of bad weather, a parade cancellation will be announced over Comcast Cable Channel 66 in western Chester County and on www.coatesvillechristmasparade.com.

The Coatesville Christmas Parade is sponsored on behalf of the City of Coatesville by Coatesville Christmas Parade, Inc. Major sponsors include: A1 Stationers, ArcelorMittal, Brandywine Health Foundation, Brandywine Hospital, Breuninger Insurance, Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau, Citadel Federal Credit Union, Coatesville Area Partners for Progress, Coatesville Country Club, Coatesville Rotary Club, Krapf's Coaches, Penguin Industries, Inc., Sole Source Inc., The City of Coatesville, The Stewart Huston Charitable Trust, Total Rental, and the West End Fire Company #3. We also would like to recognize the many donations from businesses and individuals who believe in maintaining the spirit and traditions of small town America. If you would like to make a donation, please log on to: www.coatesvillechristmasparade.com for more information.