Weirton celebrates the holiday season with parade

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The Christmas season is officially in full swing in Weirton.

Saturday saw the official kick off for the holidays in the community with the annual Weirton Christmas Parade, organized by the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce.

This year's parade was sponsored by Tri-State Audiology, First Choice America Community Federal Credit Union, Nick's Auto Sales and PS Marketing.

Chamber President Brenda Mull thanked the sponsors, and said she believes the parade, which included well over 100 different units, went well.

"We couldn't have had a better day," Mull said, noting the clear weather.

This year, Weirton residents had the opportunity to select the parade's grand marshal, sending nominations to the chamber.

Betty Killian, the former director for The Weirton Christian Center, who has volunteered with many other local organizations, was selected to help lead the parade through town.

Residents were lined up along the parade route, which followed Main Street from Virginia Avenue to Marland Heights Road.

"We do this for the community," Mull said. "We're glad they came out."

Many of the entries focused on various aspects of the holidays, whether it be dance groups with costumes following a Christmas theme, bands playing holiday music, or floats decorated with Christmas trees and gifts.

Chuck Cronin, a spokesperson for First Choice America Community Federal Credit Union, explained the inspiration for the credit union's float was the holiday movie "A Christmas Story." The float included a scene set up to look similar to the house in the movie, including the infamous lamp.

"This is the 25th anniversary of 'A Christmas Story,'" Cronin said. "It's a good tie-in."

The parade, which started at noon and lasted just over one hour, included entries from numerous area businesses, local dance teams, fire and police departments and marching bands from Brooke High School, Weir High School, Weir Middle School and Follansbee Middle School.

Following the parade, residents were invited to the Weirton Millsop Community Center to vote in the Christmas tree decorating contest held in the Rose Room and to listen to a performance by B.E. Taylor in the center's gymnasium.

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com