For the Second Year, Riviera Delivers for the Parade

Once again, will help defray the cost of the July 4 parade in Glenside.

For every medium or large pizza Riviera sells in June, the restaurant will donate $1 to the Greater Glenside Patriotic Association.

Owner Brigid Sparacio, who owns the restaurant along with her husband Sal, said last year that GGPA board member Jon Fox approached them about donating to the parade; the restaurant had held a similar fundraiser for the .

“I guess since we did it last year, [Jon Fox] came back this year and asked if we’d be interested,” Brigid Sparacio said with a laugh. 

Last year, Riviera sold 1,500 pizzas in June.

“Last year we had lots of people that came from Glenside and they said, ‘Oh! We saw that you guys are doing this promotion!'"

Being a few days into June, Brigid Sparacio said she hasn’t yet seen an increase of business because of the promotion. However, she said she expects to see a bump in pizza sales over the weekends — and definitely an increase of customers from Glenside.

GGPA President Al Herrmann said that this year’s parade and fireworks display will likely cost between $50,000 and $55,000.

The GGPA doesn’t receive any money directly from Abington or Cheltenham townships, but Herrmann said the municipalities provide police for the event. Herrmann said much of the parade’s funding comes through business donations and mailers, which are sent to Abington residents.

The parade is particularly special for Brigid Sparacio. 

“I grew up in this area,” she said, “and I remember saying the same thing last year — if you live in Abington Township, and you’re not down the shore or up the mountains, the parade is the place to be. The parade is great and long and it draws so many different people. It’s definitely the place to be if you’re in Abington.” 

The 109th annual July 4 parade will start at 4 p.m.; fireworks will start at about 9 p.m., according to Herrmann. For more information on the parade, visit http://www.glensidejuly4thevent.com