Falcons Finish First Friday at West Chester Parade

Photos by Fred Remelius

It is an unfortunate fact of life that despite our huge staff, the Digital Notebook team cannot be everywhere all the time.

But fortunately, we have a phalanx of dedicated correspondents ready to step up and carry the coverage when we have a toothache or family function to attend.

One such correspondent is former Pottsgrove School Board member and fellow marching band enthusiast Frederick P. Remelius.

While the rest of us were fighting the holiday shopping crowds, or watching the Bill Murray Christmas special, Fred and family were shivering on the sidewalk, waiting for that Pottsgrove High School Falcon Marching Band to make its way down the street during the Mars West Chester Christmas Parade.

Fingers trembling with cold and anticipation over the shutter of his camera (or smart phone as the case may be -- only the best equipment for Digital Notebook correspondents) he snapped these photos as the Falcons marched to a first place finish.

Then, knowing the urgency of digital news, he rushed home and filed the following report:

The 55-student musician Pottsgrove High School Marching Band, under the direction of Mr. Victor Holladay, was the first place winner in today's Mars West Chester Christmas Parade in a competition with 12 other bands. 

Although the temperature dropped into the upper 30's, this was the first time in several years where the Band was blessed with not having to march in the rain or snow. 

The band members were greatly surprised to find out that they were marching in the parade just ahead of a real gullwing Delorean sports car which was central in the Band's fall show "Out A Time" show about the Back to the Future movies. 

At the end of the parade, the band broke into an impromtu rendition of their show for the car's owners. 

Congratulations to the Falcons on a successful season and a first place finish.

And our thanks to Fred for his dedication.

If you would like to become a Digital Notebook correspondent, meaning you're willing to work long hours for little recognition and no pay, submit your reports via e-mail to our recording secretary, Evan Brandt, at: ebrandt@pottsmerc.com, or send it via carrier pigeon to The Mercury (Digital Notebook Division), 24 N. Hanover St., Pottstown, PA 19464.