'Twas a lovely night out in Everybody's Hometown about a decade ago when Monika Rehoric, an esteemed business leader here in Media, came up with the idea to bring a new spectacular event to the Borough - the Media Santa Parade, Fun Run & Walk, and Costume Contest!
Monika recruited three of her friends and colleagues who she knew were deeply rooted in the Media community to make it a reality, including Dave Sibley, Megan Hill, and me, the author!
This small but mighty team, later coined “The Core Four,” began logistics planning, hiring the entertainment, securing local community groups, and recruiting volunteers. The committee of four worked diligently to bring in other individuals who could help make this inaugural event a phenomenal success. The main goal was to offer the community something fresh and festive to kick off the holiday season.
Delightfully so, the plan worked!
In 2014, more than 500 runners and walkers, sporting their finest holiday costumes, participated in the family-friendly scamper through town, and approximately 4,500 excited spectators lined the parade route. The lineup featured more than 30 entertaining music and variety acts, including five award winning string bands, sparkling floats decked out for the holidays, dancers, bagpipers, live reindeer, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus!
Naturally, the committee was blown away by the tremendous response from not just the neighbors in Media, but surrounding communities as well. The Facebook comments came flooding in, and potential acts started reaching out in hopes of joining the party. Round two was on!
From 2015 through 2018, the event became bigger and brighter as the years went on, incorporating more sparkle, more entertainment, and more activities for everyone to enjoy, including the Block Party on Veterans Sq. and State St. Over the years, the kiddos, and kids at heart too, have been reveling in the live music, hot chocolate and tasty treats, video games, crafts, face painting, balloon twisters, and much more!
As with any large event comes unforeseen circumstances, but that ol’ Grinch could never rain on this parade! Facing pandemic restrictions and inclement weather, the small but mighty team quickly pivoted for a few years to continue providing the community with the holiday splendor they grew to love and anticipate. During COVID, the foursome organized drive-by events, as floats, bands, community groups, and of course, Santa on his sleigh, wove their way through the Borough bringing miles of smiles to Media. When wintry weather struck, the Block Party moved into the Community Center much to the delight of everyone who attended. The house was absolutely packed!
Another very important component is the group’s commitment to non-profit organizations, namely, the Media Food Bank, Toys for Tots, and CityTeam Chester. In lieu of an entry fee, Fun Run & Walk attendees are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items as well as holiday gifts for individuals and families facing challenging times. Through the committee’s continued efforts, healthy food and fantastic presents have been distributed to thousands of folks in need.
And now, as December 1st nears, Monika and her crew are crossing their fingers Mother Nature delivers a beautiful day so that once again, Media can experience all the razzle dazzle of the holiday season kickoff along State Street! All are welcome! (Rain date December 8th)
santaparade.media
Revel in the live music, hot chocolate and tasty treats, video games, crafts, face painting, balloon twisters, and more!