By Michael Divittorio
Daily News Staff Writer
Daily News Staff Writer
Blustery winds and chilly temperatures could not stop a speedy delivery at this year's Historic Steel Valley Christmas Parade.
Nealy 20 fire trucks representing departments from Homestead, West Homestead, Munhall, Whitaker and West Mifflin led the way for Grand Marshal Mr. McFeeley from Misters Rogers' Neighborhood at Saturday's parade.
McFeeley, otherwise known as David Newell, said he is honored to have been selected to participate in this year's festivities, and was surprised at how many people recognized him.
"The people were so friendly, and they all knew Mister Rogers Neighborhood," said Newell, who is director of public relations for Family Communications. "It's interesting. The adults were waving and so were the children, and their grandmothers were waving. It makes me feel good."
McFeeley was selected as the grand marshal because 2008 is the 40th anniversary of his participation in the late Mr. Rogers family-oriented program. He stood alongside Purple Panda on a float of King Friday's castle with a depiction of the famous trolley provided by Kennywood.
"It's his 40th year," Homestead Program Coordinator Denise Kelly said. That has to be recognized. That has to be celebrated."
Mister Rogers' Neighborhood continues to air in syndication on WQED.
This marks the 15th year that Kelly has coordinated the parade. She said it went well, but the weather had an impact on the turnout.
"If it wasn't for the cold, it would have been wonderful," Kelly said. "If the weather was better, every street would be lined up (with people). It's one of the coldest days of the year. It was a wonderful parade. We hope to make it bigger every year."
Homestead Mayor Betty Esper walked in the parade with her dog, and Munhall Mayor Raymond Bodnar also participated. Both said they thought it was a tremendous experience for them and the surrounding area.
"I think it's going very nice," Esper said. "this is a cold day and everybody's out and everybody's enjoying it."
"One of the greatest events of the whole year," Bodnar said. "We look forward to it every year, and it gets bigger and better for the Steel Valley. It's beautiful."
McFeeley participated in another community's parade last week, and headed to an event in downtown Pittsburgh shortly after the Steel Valley parade. He said his time in the Homestead area will be one of great memories.
"It makes you feel so good to be able to go to different neighborhoods in Pittsburgh," he said. "This is great to go to another neighborhood, and they all equally know "The Neighborhood."
More than 100 groups, organizations, officials, businesses and other entities participated in this year's parade sponsored by United States Steel Corp. Among those featured along the parade route were Mon Valley Harley Owners Group, Steel Valley Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scout Pack 15, Homestead Park United Methodist Church, Steel Valley Council of governments and officials from the Carnegie Library of Homestead.
There were performances by the West Mifflin High School Band and the Steel Valley Show Steppers and other groups. The event concluded with pictures with Santa at Shop'n Save's parking lot.
Kelly announced the winners of the parade contest later that afternoon. There was a tie for best float with the Waterfront Christian Church under the direction of Larry Seigworth, and the Community of Crucified One in Homestead under the direction of Chris Haigs and Bishop Jonathan Stewart. They Split a $500 prize.
The Monroeville joyful Twirlers under the direction of Tracey Poach won for best marching group. The West Mifflin High School Marching Band under the direction of Devon Smeal won for best marching band. Tracey's Place along Eighth Avenue won for best decorated store front.
Earning honorable mention for decorated store front are Outer Skin, Waterfront embroidery, Penn Automotive and Computer Gooroo.
"We hope they all come back next year," Kelly said. "We really want to thank them. Things like parades and light-up nights give people hope."
