Placing of the chairs signals upcoming parade
There are no limit to the number of chairs that spectators can place along Pike Street in Canonsburg, but Mayor Dave Rhome asked that they not be tied to poles.
The Canonsburg Borough Building sign declares the annual Fourth of July parade is dedicated to first responders. Across Pike Street, chairs are in place for Tuesday’s festivities.
CANONSBURG – For 48 hours, the empty chairs lining Pike Street will be placeholders.
Come 10 a.m. Tuesday, though, they will be filled by thousands who converge on Canonsburg Borough for what is thought to be the second-largest Fourth of July parade in the commonwealth.
The annual “placing of the chairs” began Sunday morning at 10 a.m.
By noon, the sidewalks were well on the way to maximum capacity.
“There are hundreds of chairs out,” Mayor David Rhome said. “For the most part, people are doing what we’ve asked of them and been very respectful of other people’s property.”
Since 2013, borough officials have asked that spectators wait until 48 hours before the parade to claim their spots for the popular parade.
Rhome said the only real rule is the chairs not be tied to telephone or light poles.
“It’s a safety issue. First responders don’t need to deal with the hazards of cords or ropes before, during or after the parade,” Rhome said. “For the most part, there are no issues. We just hope that everybody has a safe Fourth of July.”
Rhome said borough residents have something special to look forward to this year, in the form of a military flyover that will signal the start of the parade.
“When I was a young man, I remember one coming over town. They’ll fly right over top of the parade route,” he said. “It’s quite a tribute.”
According to state Rep. Brandon Neuman’s office, a C-130 from U.S. Air Force Reserve Command 911th Airlift Wing is scheduled to fly over at 10 a.m.
This year’s grand marshals of the parade will be the first responders of Washington County. A memorial tribute is planned for fallen Canonsburg Officer Scott Bashioum, whose parents and youngest children are scheduled to ride in the parade.
The day’s events include free admission to Town Park pool, activities for children, live music, skydivers – who will land in Canon-McMillan stadium – and fireworks at 10 p.m.