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Communities throughout the Tri-State Area will have a little extra sparkle during the next couple of weeks as parades help to celebrate the Christmas season.
Parades offer an opportunity for families and friends to gather and celebrate the season, while giving communities a chance to show off the good things they each have to offer. Floats, marching bands, dancing schools, homecoming queens and members of local service organizations will be joined by vehicles representing police and fire departments and other first responders.
The highlight of each parade is the arrival of Santa Claus, which keeps the spirit of the season for children of all ages.
Our region's parade season gets under way at 4 p.m. Friday, with Wellsburg's annual event. The theme this year is the Wellsburg Express, and the parade will travel along Charles Street to the Town Square.
Weirton's annual parade, coordinated by the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Saturday and will follow its traditional route down Main Street. The event will carry the theme "A Candyland Christmas," and the city, Sweet Temptations and Best You Boutique will share grand marshal honors. The annual fireworks display will help to welcome in the season at the conclusion.
Fourth Street in Steubenville will come to life at noon Dec. 2 when the Sights and Sounds of Christmas Parade gets under way. Rikki Kamarados, longtime co-owner of Downtown Bakery, will serve as grand marshal. Spectators will be invited to stay downtown after the parade and visit the Nutcracker Village and vendors and participate in numerous activities at Historic Fort Steuben and throughout the town.
Toronto's annual Christmas parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2. Sponsored by Focus in Toronto, the parade will travel along Fourth Street.
The annual Wintersville Christmas Parade will march down Main Street at 4 p.m. Dec. 3, and New Cumberland's Christmas Parade will start at 5 p.m. Dec. 9.
Many other communities in our region also will hold Christmas parades and other holiday-themed events in the coming weeks.
A Christmas parade requires a year of planning and countless hours of work by volunteers, and cooperation from city officials at all levels. We hope you'll set aside some time to enjoy their efforts, spend some time with your friends and neighbors and share some holiday magic.