Horses and History at 91st Wissahickon Day Parade

In 1921, a ‘Save the Wissahickon’ campaign brought hundreds of equestrians to the park to .

Now, 91 years later, that event is marked by the annual Wissahickon Day Parade. This year, the parade is set for April 29 at noon. According to a release from the Wissahickon Valley Riding and Driving Association (WVRDA), the parade is the oldest annual equestrian parade in the United States.

No one walks in the parade; the event is solely for horseback riders and carriage drivers. This year, the WVRDA is hoping for 90 riders and drivers.

The parade route will start at Harper’s Meadow and travel along Forbidden Drive until reaching the judging area at Valley Green. The WVRDA stated that Valley Green is a popular spot for parade spectators. A horse show at 10 a.m. will precede the parade.

Before and during the parade, Northwestern Avenue will be closed to traffic and parking to accommodate horse trailers and carriages. Parking will be available in the upper lots at Valley Green.

Riders and drivers still have time to register to participate in the Wissahickon Day Parade. To do so, find a registration form on the event’s website, www.wissahickonday.org, or contact Jo Catanzaro at jocat11@verizon.net.