Donald “Chop” Gibson, left, and Dean Gibson were grand marshals of the Sesquicentennial parade. | Scranton Journal photo
~courtesy of The Scranton Journal
The hot weather did not deter a large crowd from attending the Scranton Sesquicentenial celebration on Saturday. There were more than 70 entries in the parade with the streets lined with people watching the floats and other vehicles drive by.
All the events throughout the day were well-attended.
The highlight of the day was the Sesquicentennial Pageant performed in the air-conditioned gymnasium of the Community Center.
John Richardson and his band, Studio 728, along with Karen Murphy on the piano and the alumni chorus under the direction of Bob Reck, portrayed the history of Scranton, from its founding in 1869 through today.
Bob Walker of Scranton drove his 1953 John Deere Model 40 tractor in the parade and entered it in the show. He won the People’s Choice award with his entry. | Scranton Journal photoDavid Hoyt, who announced the Sesquicentennial pageant, draws the winning ticket of the quilt raffle from the container held by Carol Eason. Carol headed the committee who planned the successful day-long event. Diane Kniefl was the lucky winner.Special recognition was given to Bob and Cathie Reck at the conclusion of the pageant. The couple moved to Scranton in 1965 and dedicated their professional careers to teaching Scranton students. Cathie was an elementary teacher while Bob headed the vocal music department for many years. John Richardson (left), who wrote the pageant, sang a beautiful tribute to the couple. | Scranton Journal photo
