Breaking News
Local News

Local businesses team with chamber for Christmas parade

By WARREN SCOTT 2 min read
ON TRACK — The Wellsburg Chamber of Commerce has adopted a train theme for this year’s Christmas parade, which will be held at 4 p.m. Nov. 24 on Charles Street. It will be sponsored by TEAM Ford Wellsburg, with Main Street Bank making the arrangements for Santa and Mrs. Claus to appear during it and afterward on the Wellsburg Town Square. On hand for the announcement were, front, Chamber President Dan Otto, left, and Parade Chairman Eric Fithyan; and back; Zac Bell, sales consultant for TEAM Ford; Mayor Dan Dudley, chamber member Della Serevicz, Paige Harshman, general sales manager for TEAM Ford; volunteer Dan Day, Tony Goodwin, sales consultant for TEAM Ford; Charles Bell, president of Main Street Bank’s Wellsburg branch; and Tresa Thomas, secretary of the chamber of commerce. -- Warren Scott

WELLSBURG -- With support from TEAM Ford Wellsburg and Main Street Bank, the Wellsburg Chamber of Commerce will hold its Christmas parade at 4 p.m. Nov. 24 on Charles Street.

Eric Fithyan, the event's coordinator, said "The Wellsburg Express" is the theme for this year's procession, with participants encouraged to adopt a train theme.

Fithyan said for him, the theme reflects a sense of unity, with everyone working together to attain a common goal.

He noted many were involved in making the new Ohio River bridge, just south of the city, a reality, and this year's marshals were chosen from that large group.

They include former state Senator Jack Yost, who formed a volunteer group to promote the benefits of the span when it was being proposed; and Walter Ferguson of Wellsburg and Helen Mahle of Brilliant, two community members who were among early proponents for the bridge.

Fithyan said he's very happy to include a representative of the Ohio community that is now a close neighbor to Wellsburg.

Of the parade he said, "We're asking participants in the parade to get on board with the train theme."

Fithyan said key engineers behind the event are TEAM Ford Wellsburg, which is the lead sponsor and will be supplying vehicles to pull the floats; and Main Street Bank, which is arranging the visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

In addition to appearing in the parade, the Clauses will be at the Wellsburg Town Square afterward to meet with children.

Fithyan said there also will be Christmas music and refreshments.

He anticipates about 100 units for this year's parade, adding those interested in participating may obtain sign-up forms on the chamber's Facebook page. The forms should be returned by Nov. 17.

For information, call (304) 670-8263.

The units will line up at 23rd and Charles streets at 3 p.m. and proceed south along Charles to the Town Square.

Starting at /week.