By Bill Bates
Mount Ephraim News Correspondent
On Saturday, December 13 the 14th Annual Christmas Parade of Lights was held in Mount Ephraim . “It was one of our best parades ever with over 54 decorated emergency vehicles, town floats and musical floats that participated this year” said Parade Co-Chair & Mount Ephraim Fire Department’s (MEFD) Deputy Fire Chief Brian Gilmore.
The parade that drove large crowds along Kings Highway lasted a good hour and a half. Special appearances were made by the Haddonfield School of Dance, Nancy Mulford School of Dance and the R. W Kershaw School Band. Floats were entered by the Mount Ephraim Celebration Committee, Mount Ephraim Little League, Mount Ephraim Police Department D.A.R.E. and Town Watch Programs.
Photo by John Lafferty III
ACCEPTING AWARD – Mr. Andy Gilmore Sr. (far right) proudly accepts the D.A.R.E. Sgt. Denny Kerper Memorial Award from the Kerper Family and the Mount Ephraim Fire Department after the 14th Annual Christmas Parade. Mr. Gilmore has assisted the MEFD year after year as the event emcee to one of the largest crowds along the parade route in front of the Mary Bray School . From left are Mr. & Mrs. Claus, the Kerper Family; Michelle & baby Haley, Ryan, Pat, Chris & Kevin, Parade Co-Chairman Brian Gilmore, Mrs. Linda Kerper, Parade Chairman Bill Bates, Tim Kerper, and Mr. Andy Gilmore Sr.
The theme for the fire department’s float this year was “Supporting Our Troops”. Project Supporting Our Troops Chairperson Linda Hill and a firefighter with the MEFD said “We wanted to do something different this year and something that would help others”.
The unique float traveled to neighboring towns parades this holiday season and won 300 dollars in prize money for the patriotic theme that got cheers from spectators at every parade it went to. Like Mount Ephraim , most towns now give out checks for parade prizes instead of trophies, which helps offset the cost of creating the float. MEFD members collected over 200 items to donate to the troops in addition to the prize money that was won from neighboring towns parades. The money will go to Troop Support 08059 to use in upcoming projects for the troops.
MEFD President Rich Holmes said “When our members wanted to not only create a float for Santa & Mrs. Claus for our parade, but a float to honor those serving our country and to collect items to send to them for the holidays, we went all out on the idea”. “It was the perfect way to say thank you to all of those who protect us on the front lines” Holmes further added.
Photo By Jeff Vilardo
GIVING DONATION – Members of the Mount Ephraim Fire Department (MEFD) pose in front of their Supporting Our Troops float to present over 200 donated items and a check for $300.00 to Troop Support 08059. From left are MEFD members Ryan Holmes, Tara Iannce, Linda Hill, Troops Support Treasurer Lisa Stressman, Chairperson Karen Popelak, MEFD member Bill Bates and President Richard Holmes.
Santa and Mrs. Claus stopped in front of the Mary Bray School , as they do each year, to light the town Christmas tree. The lighting of the tree officially marks the start of the holiday season in Mount Ephraim .
The parade is hosted each year by the MEFD and is supported by the many businesses and organizations in town. Thank you goes out to the following businesses and organizations that supported and assisted with this year's parade: Spread Eagle Inn, Auto Shine Car Wash, Canal’s Fine Wines of Mount Ephraim, AAA Rush Signs, Cold Star Inc; Windows "R" Us, Milano Funeral Home, Cabinet Works Corporation, Mulford Dance Studio, D&J Auto Service, Inclinator-Elevette Inc; Fanelli Construction Inc; Dentist Renato Latini, MCA Travel Inc; S. A. Conte Auto Repair, Vitale’s Italian Bistro of Gloucester City, Mount Ephraim Police & Department of Public Works, Residents Andy Gilmore Sr; Jack & Sue Cain, Tom Taraschi, the Kerper Family, Mary Bray Staff employee Dolores Kelly, R. W. Kershaw School Band & Director Mary Manion, Take 3 Productions, Nancy Mulford & Haddonfield School of Dance, Little League, Celebration Committee and the Camden County Fire Police Traffic unit.
Following the parade, the participants and the community were invited back to the Bell Road Firehouse for an Open House were there was food, beverages, and the presentation of parade awards.
Best Appearing Fire Engine: 1st place - Collingswood, 2nd place - Westmont, 3rd place - Barrington; Best Appearing Rescue/Utility: Cherry Hill Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1; Best Appearing Ladder: Oaklyn; Best Appearing EMS: Glendora; Best Appearing Float: Pine Hill; Best Appearing Dance Performance: 1st Place - Mulford Dance Studio, 2nd Place - Haddonfield School of Dance; Special Judges Awards: Bill Koehler – Private Owner Fire Engine from Somerdale and Robert Schemlia from Moose Antique Fire Brigade – Private Fire Engine Owner; and the Chief James E. Sylvester & Deputy Chief John D. West Sr. Memorial Award for Best Appearing Overall went to the Pine Hill Fire Department for the second year in a row for their awesome musical dance performance football holiday float.
A special thank goes out to the judges who continually assist each and every year and they are Mrs. Catherine Cain, Mrs. Joanne Gavin, Mrs. Janet Greenwald, Mrs. Peggy Franecki and Mrs. Patty Parks.
The D.A.R.E. Sgt. Denny Kerper Memorial Award that is presented to an individual(s) or organization that continually assists the fire department during the annual Christmas Parade was presented to Mr. Andy Gilmore Sr. who has assisted the MEFD year after year as the event emcee to one of the largest crowds along the parade route in front of the Mary Bray School. Mr. Gilmore is also the Director of Public Safety as a Commissioner for the Borough of Mount Ephraim. “It is people like Denny Kerper and Mr. Andy Gilmore Sr. that make this community a great place to live” said parade chairman Bill Bates.
D.A.R.E. Sgt. Denny Kerper was a life long resident of the borough of Mount Ephraim and one who was involved in many town activities throughout the years. Denny assisted the MEFD by organizing many of his fellow D.A.R.E. officers in decorating and participating in the annual parade for many years. Denny may have lost his battle to cancer, but his endless efforts and charming spirit will always remain with the members of the fire department for many years to come.
Parade Co-Chair & Deputy Chief Brian Gilmore said "On behalf of the members of the Mount Ephraim Fire Department and the Ladies Auxiliary, we want to thank all those who helped make this year's parade a huge success and hopes that everyone had a happy and safe holiday season."
