Downtown Ardmore hosts a free day of parades, a vintage car show and family activities on Saturday, Oct. 17, as the Ardmore Business Association (ABA) marks 75 years.

Ardmore Day runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Schauffele Plaza and surrounding streets in Haverford Township. Admission is free.

The annual celebration, as reported by Mainline Media News, started in 2019 as an open house to showcase local businesses. It has since grown into one of the Main Line's signature fall events. This year's edition marks the volunteer-led association's 75th anniversary.

ABA President Nina Greberman reflected on the milestone in a September interview with Mainline Media News. "The ABA is a group of volunteers that has resiliently been the voice of the Ardmore businesses for 75 years … We are still the trusted source businesses come to first for advocacy and questions," Greberman said.

Three new attractions headline the anniversary year: a vintage car show on Rittenhouse Place, a corn maze and a children's Spooktacular Parade with a candy scavenger hunt.

Returning favorites include the Ardbark Dog Parade and Contest, which begins at 11:30 a.m. Judges include staff from Ardmore Animal Hospital, Main Line Urgent Vet, Ruff House Dog Center and VEG ER, plus longtime ABA board member Harry Althouse, formerly of Harry's Treasures.

Here is the day's schedule:

  • 11 a.m.: Registration opens for the dog parade and Halloween parade; vintage car show begins on Rittenhouse Place
  • 11:15 a.m.: Fox 29's Bob Kelly (on site until 2:30 p.m.)
  • 11:30 a.m.: Ardbark Dog Parade, followed by the Spooktacular Halloween Parade
  • Noon: Family Fun Zone opens (bumper cars, trackless train)
  • 12:30 p.m.: Spooktacular Scavenger Hunt begins
  • 1 p.m.: Swoop and Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders
  • 2:30 p.m.: Meridee Winters School of Music student performers in the plaza

Sidewalk sales, face painting, caricaturists, balloon activities and food vendors round out the afternoon.

Presenting sponsors are Wild Fork Foods, Firstrust Bank and Ardmore Pizza. Family Fun Zone sponsors include Bob Cermignano Heating & Cooling, Young Adjustment Co., Gouldsburger's and SERVPRO.

Schauffele Plaza serves as the central hub, but the ABA encourages visitors to explore the surrounding blocks. The goal, according to the association's website, is to have people discover entertainment and local businesses around every corner. Details are available at ardmoreshops.com or on the Ardmore Business Association's Facebook page.

Upcoming community events:

  • Friday, Oct. 16: Radnor Library book sale, with a member preview
  • Saturday, Oct. 17: Ardmore Day, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Schauffele Plaza and downtown Ardmore (free)