Solanco Fair Parade Draws Crowd
By Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman
QUARRYVILLE -- The Solanco Fair Parade drew a large crowd last night to the Quarryville Fairgrounds and throughout the Borough itself. Sunday people started setting out chairs and benches and blankets as they staked claim to the perfect parade viewing site. The theme this year is "Lights, Camera, Action."

Grand Marshall Robah Hess led off the parade. He was followed by Marla Hart - Miss Solanco. The Lancaster County Young Marines marched behind, followed by the Solanco High School Marching Band. The Solanco Middle School Marching Band, the Octorara Area High School Marching Band, the Perryville High School Band and the Avon Grove High School Marching Band were also in the parade. Of the bands, only Perryville embraced the theme of the parade. Their drum major was dramatically dressed in Batman. Joker and his minions were present as well!

Union Presbyterian Church stayed with the theme as they portrayed The Chronicles of Narnia. Ground Zero though stole the stage with their Wizard of Oz float. The youth group included Dorothy's house which got caught up in a twister and fell the witch. It also included a huge (see picture on right) mechanical flying monkey. The monkey's wings spanned the street and were controlled by a person up inside the monkey.

Fashion Exchange took part this year as models portrayed various clothing. Andrea's Academy of Ballet entertained the crowds with their routines. Black Rock Retreat stayed in theme as they were "Making Movie Memories Since 1954". The Rough Riders had a horse race between Sea biscuit and War Admiral. Cars (the Disney movie) visited the Heaven Bound Child Care. Boy Scout Pack 76, out of New Providence, portrayed Harrison Ford's Raiders of the Lost Ark trilogy.

In keeping with their goal to promote recycling throughout the Southern End, Econ Refuse provided white recycling boxes for plastics and cans along the parade route along with their usual contribution of brown boxes for trash. Econ is featuring one of two full size, full service recycling trucks in the Solanco Fair Parade this year. After the parade is over, the truck will go back to the beginning and redo the route, picking up and properly disposing of the recycling. All of the recycling picked up at the parade is accredited to the Quarryville Borough. The greater the recycling rate, the greater the funds the Borough receives from recycling. Last year Econ recycled more than 200 tons from mandated recycling areas in Southern Lancaster County. This is the third year they have provided trash service for the Solanco Fair parade and the first year for recycling during the parade. Providing recycling for the Fair is a natural fit as the Solanco Fair directors are working hard to “Go Green”. Cauler's Containers provided trash removal afterwards.

Photos by Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman