Community

Dianne Plaugher is Co-Chair of the Downingtown Good Neighbor Christmas Inc., along with her husband Steve Plaugher. Each year, the tree lighting and parade brings our community together along Lancaster Avenue, while families and neighbors cheer on the floats. A group of 12 volunteers coordinates the event throughout the year and addition help is brought in for coordinating the dozens of floats and community groups that paritipate in the parade. We asked Diane a few questions about the tradition, here’s what she had to say:

Explain what your non-profit does in the community:

Downingtown Good Neighbor Christmas Inc. provides a Christmas Tree and Tree Lighting Ceremony for the community followed by a wonderful Christmas Parade.

How many years has the Downingtown Christmas Parade been happening?

Steve and I have been involved since at least 2002.

Explain how far in advance you begin planning the event:

We meet once a month the entire year. More meetings are added as we get close to the event date.

What types of traditions can someone expect to see during the parade?

Plenty of bands, community groups and Santa and Mrs. Claus.

What’s the best part about volunteering for the Downingtown Christmas Parade?

Knowing that you are helping to put on a quality Christmas Parade for the community to enjoy.

What’s your favorite memory of the parade?

Each year is different – the best part of each year is riding behind Santa’s float, being able to see the amount of happy faces that line the streets of Downingtown enjoying the parade.

Where can you find the best pizza in the borough?

Anthony’s Cucina Fresca

How can people get involved?

We need volunteers! Contact Diane at dtownchristmas@aol.com for details.

They’re also holding a “Nite at the Races“ fundraiser on Saturday, May 20 at St. Anthony’s Lodge – get the details, here.