SHAMOKIN - While the Schmidt family traveled down Independence Street, the smiles on their faces went from ear to ear.
With Frank Schmidt in the front seat, and William and Dr. Mary Schmidt sitting in the back of a Ford Mustang convertible, the grandchildren of Max Schmidt, co-founder of the Fuhrmann and Schmidt Brewing Company, traveled the route of the Anthracite Heritage Parade as grand marshals, waving to everyone they saw, handing out candy to youngsters and exuding happiness.
"This is wonderful and it feels good to be back in Shamokin," William said before Friday's parade.
Friday's event was the seventh annual edition of the parade that kicks off the weekend's festivities of the Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts.
'Bring any beer?'
While they waited for the start of the parade, the Schmidts greeted well-wishers who welcomed them back to the area. State Rep. Kurt Masser even asked the trio for their autographs on an old "Scenes from Shamokin" book for a friend.
"These are rare," Frank said when he signed the book, looking at the picture of his grandfather printed inside.
Some joked about the family's heritage when they said hello to the grand marshals.
"Did you bring any beer with you?" one person asked.
"We tried to get some F&S, but we just couldn't find any," Frank joked.
All three family members grew up locally and graduated from Shamokin Area High School, but have since moved away. Frank, after being the assistant brew master of the family brewery, became the founder and CEO of Broaker Enterprises LLC.
William recently served as the head of global marketing for the card business of Gemplus International SA, while Mary is the president of the Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Va.
Mary said she visits the area regularly, but William said it's been about 13 years since he's been back.
All were amazed that people in the area still remember the F&S brand fondly.
"I think the recognition of the F&S name in the community is greater today than it was back then," William said.
'Fantastic day'
The family was honored to be the parade's grand marshals and are looking forward to today's festivities.
"It's going to be a fantastic day and the event has so much to offer and we are going to take advantage of it," Frank said.
The siblings plan to visit the Shamokin Cemetery and the grave of their grandfather before seeing the elder Schmidt portrayed as part of the festival's cemetery tour.
"That's the exciting part for me," Mary said. "I never met my grandfather, so that will be a real treat."
Following the parade, the trio said they appreciated the support from the former employees and patrons of the F&S Brewery.
"I wish I could invite everyone to a big beer hall for some F&S tonight," Frank said.
Santa Claus at home
With a temperature of 48 degrees with gusty winds and occasional drizzle at the time of the parade's start, Santa Claus riding a float presented by the Shamokin Rotary Club, felt right at home.
"I wanted to bring a little cold weather with me," Santa said. "Feels a little like Christmas."
While there were more hoodies than shorts at Friday's parade, the crowd, a little thinner as usual, was just as enthusiastic as in past years, watching the floats, marchers and bands go by.
More than 40 groups participated in the parade, including the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area, Shamokin-Coal Township Little League, political candidates and emergency vehicles.
Winners
Best Representation of the area - Brady Fire Company
Most Creative/Decorative - Knoebels Amusement Resort
Best Dressed/Costumed - Northwestern Academy
Best of Show - Shamokin Area High School Band.
Due to the wind and rain, the festival's annual luminaria ceremony did not take place, but festival chairperson Jeanne Shaffer said the names of those for whom luminarias were purchased will be printed in The News-Item.
Today's activities begin at 9 a.m. with a 5K at Kemp Memorial Stadium. At 10 a.m., the Cameron Colliery Whistle will blow on Market Street. The festival continues through 5 p.m.