By Richard L. Gaw

Staff Writer

For 364 days of the year, State Street in Kennett Square serves as a mile-long marketplace of eclectic shops, businesses and cafes, as well as the headquarters of Genesis HealthCare. For one night a year, however, the street becomes an avenue of holiday dreams, and last Friday night, State Street glowed with the magic of the season.

Before an overflow crowd of more than 1,000 children of all ages, the annual Holiday Light Parade and Open House was an hour-long thread of businesses, schools, organizations and individuals, who worked their way up the street to the strains of holiday carols. With Kennett Square Mayor Matt Fetick serving as master of ceremonies, the parade kicked off at 6:15 and welcomed performances by the Kennett High School Marching Band, KitSpins, the Kennett Area Theatrical Society, the Longwood Performing Arts Dance Company, 50/50 LG Entertainment and an army of colorful volunteers, each of whom handed out treats to the crowd.

Brightly lit vehicles from several local fire companies then came roaring up the street, quickly followed by stunning floats created by some of Kennett Square's most recognizable and respected businesses. Finally, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus arrived, in time with the annual lighting of the Christmas tree just outside of La Verona. Beside the glow of the tree, the Clauses heard the gift lists of dozens of children.

The evening was a unique blend of celebration and commerce, as several shops welcomed visitors to stroll around and purchase some early holiday gifts.

The following is a list of participants in the 2014 Kennett Square Light Parade:

Bob Stenhan : Former Ringling Brothers Clown

Kit Spins: Former Cirque Du Soleil Performer

Longwood Performing Arts

Parade Stars: Brick Garage/Pack Rats Place

Kennett Square High School Marching Band

Mercer Restorations: Frank

KSI Crafts Beer Boutique

KATS: Walking Group

Unionville Harvest Queen Carly Rechenberg and Princess Shannon White

Denney Electric

Kennett Square Mushroom Festival Presents Midnight in the Square (Accompanied by ToJo Mushrooms)

Anson B. Nixon

1964 Sunbeam Tiger: Elea Feit

WWII Jeep: Robert Rumbold

Kennett Square Historical Commission’s 1922 Model T Ford Canopy Express: Jeff Feit

Eric Kelleher 1955 Ford Tractor

Taylor Oil

E & H Appliance

Manfredi Cold Storage

Phillips Mushrooms Woodlands

50/50 LG Entertainment: Dr. Dre Money, Walt Anderson and The Life Gamblers Band

Krapf Bus Company

Kennett Square Fire Company

Avondale Fire Company

Po Mar Lin Fire Company

Longwood Fire Company

Harrop Custom Farming

Kennett Mini Storage

Meadow Spring Farms (Jamie Hicks)- 4 vehicles

Billy Hicks with Hicks Lawn and Landscaping

Hugh Lofting Timber Framing

Longwood Performing Arts (2nd performance)

Santa & Mrs. Claus accompanied by Lou Mandage

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, e-mail [email protected].