Piqua’s “Holiday Horse Parade”

0

PIQUA – Hundreds of people made their way to the streets of downtown Piqua to enjoy over 200 horses carrying riders or pulling carriages to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season on Saturday, Nov. 17.

Children and adults of all ages enjoyed holiday lights decking out each horse, rider, and carriage. A mule or two could be spotted along the parade. Several ponies were trotting through the streets. Riders waved and spread holiday cheer. Musicians performed holiday music during the parade.

The beginning of the parade saw a light snow fall “that really encapsulates the holidays,” said Lorna Swisher, executive director of Mainstreet Piqua, who was also the parade announcer.

Swisher went on to say how this parade was “unbelievably cool, fantastic and gorgeous” and “probably the longest parade we’ve done yet.”

Attendees could enjoy horse-shaped donuts and cookies being sold by Dobo’s Delights Bakery along with hot chocolate and other baked goods. Kettle corn was available too from Cumberland Kettle Corn. In the gazebo area near the Piqua Public Library, a hot dog cart was available.

Other stores throughout downtown were open including Referee Sports Bar, the Scottish Thistle, and Winans Chocolates and Coffees.

The parade was hosted by Mainstreet Piqua and was sponsored by Park National Bank, Mutual Federal, Premier Health, Apex Aluminum, Fifth Third Bank, Edison State Community College, Asher’s Plumbing, Family Farm and Home, Miami County Visitors & Convention Bureau, Miami Valley Steel Service and the Davis and Steinke families.

“Without the extraordinary assistance of the city of Piqua, especially the street department, police department, and parks department, we would NOT be able to do this event. They are very, very helpful and supportive. I’m thankful of the city and the community for their support of this event,” said Swisher

“I would also like to thank the event chairman, Tim Hutton, for all his efforts with the coordination of the parade,” finished Swisher.

The Piqua community can celebrate the holiday season with other upcoming community events in downtown Piqua including Christmas on the Green from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2, followed by the Downtown Piqua Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 3, starting at 2 p.m.

No posts to display