Despite an initial cancellation by the Board of Supervisors, Whitemarsh Township will hold its Fourth of July parade after all, writes Katherine Scott for 6abc.
In early May, the township canceled the 70-year tradition, citing lack of funding for required safety improvements.
“We heard the community loud and clear,” said Vice Chair Fran McCusker. “We had a collaboration meeting with all emergency services. They came back with an enhanced security plan that they’ll be working on throughout the next couple of weeks to make sure we keep our Fourth of July parade as safe as possible.”
This year’s parade will feature improved security, with additional measures planned for future years.
The township’s budget for the event was about $28,000, but adding measures such as barricades and water-filled jersey barriers would have cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in just one-time fees.
While no threats were directly made to Whitemarsh Township, officials pointed to deadly attacks in New Orleans and Vancouver as cause for concern.
However, an uproar from residents has caused township staff and community members to look for alternatives to protect the parade route.
The board apologized for not being fully transparent during the initial cancellation.
Read more about Whitemarsh’s Fourth of July parade at 6abc.
