Wellsburg events helping to ring in holidays

WELLSBURG -- Thanksgiving weekend will be a busy time in Wellsburg, as the city’s Christmas parade is joined by two other events: A lightup immediately following it at the newly decorated Central Park and the Downtown Wellsburg group’s Maker’s Market at the former American Legion headquarters on Nov. 30.

Chaired by Eric Fithyan, the parade will begin at 4 p.m. Friday, with a variety of floats, emergency vehicles, school groups and others making their way down Charles Street from 23rd Street south to the Town Square.

Fithyan said the parade is being presented this year by the Wellsburg Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Bank, which has made a major contribution for it.

“Main Street Bank and (Wellsburg branch manager) Chuck Bell have really stepped up their sponsorship for this year’s parade,” said Fithyan, who noted several businesses are sponsoring floats and many others are supporting the event in other ways.

Fithyan said the theme again will be “Home for the Holidays” because so many former residents turn out for it while visiting family for Thanksgiving.

Serving as parade marshals will be the Brooke Middle School football team in recognition of their championship-winning, undefeated season. Fithyan said the middle school’s cheering squad, which won two recent regional cheering competitions, also will be participating.

Local marching bands and other school groups have been a staple of the parade.

Fithyan said about 75 units have signed up and there’s still time for others to participate. Those interested should call (304) 737-3551 no later than Sunday.

Another regular guest is Santa Claus who, in addition to appearing in the parade, will be on hand to meet with children afterward.

But this year he will be found at Central Park near 17th and Charles streets, which is being decorated for the holidays by Wellsburg Councilman Paul T. Billiard and other volunteers with support from the Wellsburg Lions Club, of which he is a member; and many others.

“I’ve had a lot of donations, which is great,” said Billiard, who said two booths resembling gingerbread houses have been set up for refreshments and activities, which may include cookie decorating and craft making.

He said in addition to Santa, the Brooke High School Madrigal Choir will be on hand to perform Christmas carols.

Billiard said in addition to stringing multicolored lights around the park, two trees have been decorated with pink and blue bulbs to raise awareness of breast and prostate cancer.

He said attendees are invited to sponsor luminaria to be placed around the park in memory of loved ones.

Billiard said last year was the first time the club held a lightup at the park, but this is the first time it’s being held in conjunction with the Christmas parade and he appreciates the chamber’s cooperation in making that happen.

The weekend also will include a new event organized by Downtown Wellsburg, a volunteer group working to promote patronage and development of the city’s downtown business district.

Set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 30 in the former American Legion headquarters at 735 Charles St., the Maker’s Market will feature 15 vendors selling art, crafts, jewelry, candles and an assortment of other items.

“There really will be all kinds of things people can buy for Christmas gifts. I think there will be something for everyone,” said Alex Weld, who is chairing the event.

She added free hot chocolate will be served and Christmas music will be performed on dulcimer by Laura Cramblet.

Weld said the market is being held on Small Business Saturday to encourage visitors to explore the small businesses along Charles Street and elsewhere in the city.

She said it’s part of an ongoing effort to draw people to the city that included a series of well-attended free concerts at Central Park this summer.

“We had hundreds of people there. We’re going to do them again next year,” Weld said.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com)