Happy Thanksgiving to our wonderful NEast Philly readers!

No matter what you’re doing today and where you’re doing it, we wish you a happy and safe holiday. To get you in the spirit, here are more photos from Sunday’s Mayfair-Holmesburg Thanksgiving Parade. continue reading »

With a flick of a switch at last Sunday's holiday ceremony, Santa lit the newly trimmed tree gracing the intersection of Frankford and Cottman.

It’s not a big tree. It’s certainly not as big a tree as you might expect for its intended purpose–to be seen by anyone walking or driving around the intersection of Frankford and Cottman avenues; but it’s not a Charlie Brown Christmas tree, either.

On Sunday Nov. 22, around dusk, folks from Mayfair Business Association and members of the community — young and old alike — strung lights and affixed ornaments on the community’s holiday tree. Santa arrived after darkness had embraced the assembled audience; he flicked a switch, and the tree lit up, a bright star atop, and the people cheered. continue reading »

Santa, one of many honored guests at last Sunday's Parade of Talent, cuddles 3-month-old Feona Conti, who got a little help from grandmom Katie.

The parade was held indoors. Wait, you say, indoors? Yes, the 34th Annual Mayfair-Holmesburg Parade, this year billed as the “Parade of Talent,” took place indoors, at the John Perzel Community Center on Sunday from noon until 4 p.m.

Rain or shine, folks were told, the parade would take place. Indoors? You’d hope so.

So what happened? Why hold a parade indoors? In earlier years when it rained, the parade was postponed. But, Sunday it wasn’t raining. It was a bright sunny day, all day. It would have been a wonderful day to be outdoors, watching a parade.

As an old friend used to quip, “It ain’t like it usta was.” There were no floats nor marching bands. The Lu Lu Shrine Temple motorcycle troop did not perform. The military reserve vehicles and classic cars were no where to be seen. continue reading »

Happy Thanksgiving from the NEast Philly staff!

Whether you’re spending the day at home, or traveling to be with family, have a happy and safe turkey day.