With the sun shining on Weirton following days of rainy weather, area residents lined up along Main Street to watch the annual Independence Day Parade Saturday morning.
Gov. Joe Manchin joined area officials, including state Sen. Ed Bowman and Dels. Randy Swartzmiller and Jack Yost, walking down the parade route as the honorary grand marshal.
One of the new additions to this year's event was a group of motorcycle riders who would later take part in a charity ride throughout the area.
Various local groups took part in this year's holiday parade, with floats provided by businesses and organizations, such as First Choice Community Federal Credit Union and Cub Scout Pack 39.
Members of the military also took part in the parade, with several vehicles from the local U.S. Army Reserves unit following the route. The Tri-State Young Marines also were there, leading the parade while displaying the United States flag and the flag for their organization.
Musical performances were provided by the Brooke High School Marching Band playing the school's fight song, and the Weir High Band, whose members donned fedoras and whips with a tribute to the "Indiana Jones" films. Numerous area dance schools and community organizations also took part.
The parade helped to kick off the holiday festivities in Weirton for the weekend, with the Renaissance Weirton Festival beginning soon after and continuing throughout Saturday afternoon.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)
