The West Chester Christmas Parade needs about 30 volunteers willing to march inside the procession for the first time in the event's history.

The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce announced the new walking marshal positions Oct. 19, adding them to the roughly 70 sidewalk marshals who handle staging and spectator support each year. Walking marshals will accompany floats, performers and marching bands along the eight-block downtown route on Dec. 4, as an estimated 20,000 spectators line the streets.

It's a first for the chamber.

"This is the first year we are opening this experience to marshals who will walk in the parade alongside our spectacular floats, VIPs and marching bands," Laurie Ryan, president of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement reported by MyChesCo.

The parade, sponsored by Chester County Hospital, steps off at 7 p.m. after the borough's Christmas tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. outside the historic Chester County Courthouse. 6abc meteorologist Adam Joseph and B101 radio host Kathy Romano return as emcees, and Santa Claus closes the procession.

Marshals will wear red hats donated by West Pharmaceutical Services and official yellow volunteer vests. They also help judge three parade categories: Best Non-Profit Entry, Best Commercial Entry and Best High School Marching Band. The chamber also needs volunteers to set up and break down the main stage.

Registered volunteers will get reporting locations and schedules by email in mid- to late November.

The parade and tree lighting open the sixth annual Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester, a program that strings roughly 100,000 decorative lights across downtown blocks over six weekends from Thanksgiving through New Year's. The season includes Santa visits, a toy drive breakfast, holiday music and caroling, according to VISTA Today.

Chester County Hospital plans to recognize its Employees of the Month during the parade.

Residents and businesses can sign up to volunteer through the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce website or by calling 610-696-4046.

Upcoming holiday events in downtown West Chester:

  • Dec. 4: Tree lighting, 6:30 p.m.; Christmas Parade, 7 p.m.
  • Dec. 10: WSFS Bank Toy Drive Breakfast, 7:30–9 a.m.
  • Dec. 12: Photos with Santa and free holiday concert, 2–4 p.m.
  • Dec. 12: Christkindlmarkt, hosted by Downtown West Chester and the Chester County Art Association