Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce News Newswire

Sponsorships and Applications Now Open for 2026 West Chester Christmas Parade Inspired By America250

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WEST CHESTER, PA – July 6, 2026 – Named “Best Family Friendly Event” by Main Line Today for a 4^th consecutive year, the elves at the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce are already busy preparing for the 2026 West Chester Christmas Parade by opening applications for participants and sponsors.

The kickoff of a month full of free holiday festivities during Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester, this year’s West Chester Christmas Parade will be held Friday, December 4^th with 6abc meteorologist Adam Joseph and B101 radio host Kathy Romano returning as emcees of both the parade and tree lighting that precedes it. Along with Santa, America250 will make a holiday splash.

“West Chester is almost as old as our country, so it’s fitting that our region’s flagship hometown Christmas parade will be more glittering than ever as we cap off a year of our nation’s birthday celebrations with a holiday spin at this year’s West Chester Christmas Parade,” said Laurie Ryan, President of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce. “We invite businesses to light up an entire block of historic, downtown West Chester from November through January as parade participants begin submitting applications this week.”

Title sponsored for a sixth year by Chester County Hospital, which has agreed to return in 2027 as well, the West Chester Christmas Parade attracts approximately 20,000 attendees of all ages each year.

“This cherished West Chester tradition continues to bring our community together year after year, and we’re honored to serve as parade title sponsor once again,” said Karen Pinsky, MD, CEO of Chester County Hospital. “As we also celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, this year’s parade is a meaningful reminder of the shared traditions and community spirit that have shaped our nation for generations—values we’re proud to uphold as part of Penn Medicine’s 275-year legacy of care.”

A brand new float for Santa and more marching bands and performative elements than ever are in the planning stages for parade night, which starts December 4, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. with the official lighting of West Chester’s stunning 28-foot-tall Christmas tree with live musical performances. New last year on the lawn of the Historic Chester County Courthouse, the majestic tree is adorned with 150 individual branches and 20,000 white LED lights.

The holiday parade follows at 7 p.m. under the 100,000 twinkling lights of professionally decorated borough blocks sponsored by local businesses. Businesses and organizations are invited to sponsor decorated borough blocks with branded signage from November through January starting at $2,500 to help support the Chamber’s goal to draw visitors to West Chester’s more than 75 restaurants and 65 boutiques during Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester.

Premium block sponsors include Del Vacchio Landscapes & Christmas Décor, Aqua PA and West Pharmaceutical Services. Half-block sponsors include CTDI, Fred Beans Ford of West Chester and Scott Auto Group/Scott Honda of West Chester. Quarter-block sponsors include Arthur Hall Insurance, a Marsh & McLennan Insurance Agency, LLC; BeautyMark West Chester, Dave’s Automotive Repair Enterprises, Gawthrop Greenwood - Attorneys at Law, the Golf Zone Family Fun Center, Millers Insurance Agency and Pegasus Technologies, with special sponsor PECO.

The 2026 West Chester Christmas Parade will once again hold a marching band competition, as well as a competition for “Best Commercial Parade Float” and “Best Nonprofit Parade Entry.” Applicants for the West Chester Christmas Parade are invited to visit www.GreaterWestChester.com to fill out the 2026 Parade Application Form as early as possible, since the maximum number of performers may be reached before the August 16, 2026 application deadline. Applications are reviewed by the parade committee on a rolling basis, with priority for local performer entries.

Businesses and organizations may also sponsor a parade element. The parade will provide a sponsor banner that will lead the performers, as well as four tickets for the VIP location for parade viewing. Two to four business employees may walk in the parade, leading the professional performers as the sponsors are recognized in media appearances and on parade night.

This year Santa’s float is once again sponsored by Lamb McErlane PC and Treehouse Group, and the VIP area is sponsored by Alexander Catering and Café Gourmino. Parade support sponsors include JDog Junk Removal, and Blue Dog Printing & Design is the print sponsor. As Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester unfolds throughout the holiday season, photos with Santa are sponsored by M&T Bank, the Toy Drive Breakfast is sponsored by WSFS, and Santa on a Fire Truck is sponsored by Tolsdorf Oil Lube Express.

For more information, visit https://www.greaterwestchester.com/lightsupchristmasparade.html or contact the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce at 610-696-4046, info@gwcc.org.

About the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce:

The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, located in the heart of Chester County, PA, is a membership based not-for-profit organization providing resources, advocacy and educational opportunities to help local businesses and entrepreneurs build relationships, promote their business, grow their network, address their most serious business challenges and become an integral part of the community. www.GreaterWestChester.com

Media Contact:

Kristen Stewart, BTC Marketing, kstewart@btcmarketing.com, 215-508-3004 (cell)

Honorees Announced for the Greater West Chester Chamber’s October 2026 Annual Banquet

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WEST CHESTER, PA – June 22, 2026 — Pietro’s Prime, Christy E. Cosgrove and Safe Harbor of Chester County will be celebrated at the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Annual Banquet, slated to take place at The Desmond Hotel and Conference Center in Malvern on Thursday, October 8, 2026.

The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Banquet, sponsored by My Benefit Advisor, is an evening centered around honoring the people, businesses, and organizations that positively influenced the West Chester community during the previous year and beyond.

The 2025 Business of the Year Award will be presented to Pietro's Prime. Rooted in Chester County history and the Giunta family legacy, Pietro's Prime has become a staple of Downtown West Chester through its commitment to hospitality, community engagement, and support of local initiatives. Led by Marisa Giunta and Executive Chef Sean Powell, the restaurant is recognized not only for its exceptional dining experience but also for its active involvement in strengthening the local business community.

A consistent supporter of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, Pietro's Prime sponsors Chamber events, including the Annual 10 Grand Club, and regularly participates in Chamber programming. The restaurant also collaborates with fellow Downtown businesses to promote local dining and enhance the vibrancy of West Chester's business district. Through its partnerships, events, and ongoing commitment to community engagement, Pietro's Prime exemplifies the spirit of a locally owned business dedicated to the success of the Greater West Chester community.

"We are incredibly honored to be recognized as the Chamber's 2025 Business of the Year," said Marisa Giunta of Pietro's Prime. "As restaurant owners, we're usually the ones helping host celebrations, gatherings, and special occasions for our community rather than attending them. This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes from a community we care so deeply about, and we're looking forward to celebrating alongside so many friends and partners at this year's Annual Banquet."

Christy E. Cosgrove will be recognized as the 2025 Outstanding Citizen of the Year for her leadership, volunteerism, and dedication to the Greater West Chester community. As owner of La Difference Salon & Day Spa, Christy has contributed to the economic vitality and community engagement of West Chester for more than 23 years.

Perhaps most notably, Christy envisioned and helped lead Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends during the COVID-19 pandemic, creating a community tradition that brought residents, visitors, and local businesses together during a challenging time. The initiative helped re-energize Downtown West Chester and foster a sense of connection and celebration throughout the community.

Christy's commitment to service extends through her involvement with the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce. As she completes the final year of an eight-year term on the Chamber's Board of Directors, including serving as Board Chair in 2023 and 2024, she continues to play an important role in advancing the Chamber's mission. Through her leadership of the Annual 10 Grand Club, she has helped generate critical support for Chamber programs and initiatives.

"I am deeply honored to receive this recognition," said Christy Cosgrove. "West Chester has given so much to me, both personally and professionally, and I have been fortunate to work alongside so many dedicated volunteers, business leaders, and community partners. Having grown up in a family that valued community involvement and service through the Chamber, this award is especially meaningful and one I will cherish."

Safe Harbor of Chester County is being recognized as the 2025 Community Service Organization of the Year, an award sponsored by Fulton Bank. Safe Harbor provides emergency shelter, meals, and comprehensive support services for individuals experiencing homelessness in Chester County. As the county's only shelter serving single women experiencing homelessness, the organization offers housing, case management, recovery support, employment assistance, and housing navigation services designed to help individuals achieve long-term stability and independence.

Under the leadership of Executive Director Jessica Chappell, Safe Harbor has strengthened its trauma-informed approach to care, ensuring services are delivered with dignity, compassion, and an understanding of the complex challenges faced by those it serves. The organization also plays a critical role during Code Blue emergency shelter operations, providing safe housing and essential resources during extreme weather events.

"Safe Harbor is incredibly honored to be recognized as the Community Service Organization of the Year, among the many amazing organizations that make Chester County such a great place," said Jessica Chappell. "We are grateful to our partners, community, and supporters who have stood alongside us in serving more than 3,000 individuals experiencing homelessness in Chester County since 1994. Thank you for this incredible recognition."

"We are thrilled to celebrate this year's honorees at the Chamber's Annual Banquet," said Laurie Ryan, President of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce. "Christy Cosgrove, Pietro's Prime, and Safe Harbor of Chester County each represent the very best of our community. Their leadership, generosity, and commitment to serving others have made a lasting impact throughout Greater West Chester, and we are proud to recognize their achievements."

Sponsors and attendees of the 2026 Annual Banquet will enjoy cocktails and dinner as they celebrate the honorees. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce at info@gwcc.org, 610-696-4046, or visit GreaterWestChester.com. Ticket purchase information is expected to be announced shortly.

About the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce:

Media Contact:

Carly McFadden, Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, carly@gwcc.org 610-696-4046 (office)