Whitemarsh Makes Abrupt Decision On 4th Of July Parade

WHITEMARSH, PA — Whitemarsh Township will hold its annual 4th of July parade after all, they determined late Wednesday in an abrupt reversal of their previous controversial decision to cancel it.

The back and forth comes in the wake of an enormous community response to the original decision, with many expressing outrage over the cancellation of one of the area's iconic events down Germantown Pike.

The cancellation was due to safety concerns and the lack of resources needed to provide the necessary security "in light of recent events" and attacks at similarly-sized gatherings around the country.

"Staff and members of the community worked together on new ways to safeguard the parade route with enhanced security, enabling it to proceed this year," the Board of Supervisors said in a statement.

The Board said they were moved by resident complaints at the May 22 public meeting on the parade, and instructed staff to look into the issue further.

“Whitemarsh wants this tradition and deserves this tradition,” Supervisor Vice Chair Fran McCusker said. “As we said earlier, safety is our top priority and we are confident that we are taking steps that will allow the community to safely celebrate our nation’s birthday with family and friends.”

It's not clear exactly what new measures were brought forth to sufficiently ameliorate the previous concerns, which had appeared dire.

"Unfortunately, the society that we live in today has changed, and what people are willing to do today to risk the safety and security of our communities has increased to a point that we could have never imagined," Whitemarsh Police Chief Ward said, citing attacks that have befallen communities like Vancouver, New Orleans, and Highland Park, Illinois.

The Board added that "additional steps" will be taken to protect the parade in the future. Further details on the route and security measures are forthcoming.

See previous coverage:

• Whitemarsh Cancels 4th Of July Parade Over Safety Concerns
• Public Meeting Set On Whitemarsh 4th Of July Parade Cancellation