Shoebox Parade Will Premiere Online This Weekend

NEW CASTLE, Pa. – The second annual Holly Days Shoebox Parade video will be released at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, on the Facebook page of Arts and Education at the Hoyt and at hoytartcenter.org..

The video – which got its start during the pandemic year when the parade was canceled – uses shoebox-sized parade float models, which travel down a cardboard replica of downtown New Castle. It recreates the parade with humor and warmth.

Community organizations made the floats, showcasing their creativity and their cause.

“The parade film lets you see the floats in action as they are being pulled down our make-believe Main Street to announcements that help you learn a little more about each organization or cause,” said Kimberly Koller-Jones, executive director of The Hoyt.

Last year’s virtual parade got more than 6,000 views on Facebook, according to Melissa Maiella, marketing director of The Hoyt. “It’s such a cute idea that we thought we’d give it another go,” she said.

Approximately 40 entries were received this year from nonprofits, businesses, churches and schools, including the People’s Choice winner, DiSilvio’s Family Restaurant.  DiSilvio’s float, which has a 1950s diner scene, garnered the 319 likes – the beating all other entries – during the online voting period.

All of the floats will be on display at The Confluence coffee shop, downtown, through Jan. 6.

DiSilvio’s Family Restaurant’s float, which depicts a 1950s-style diner, won the People’s Choice Award for the Holly Days Shoebox Parade.

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