Photo by Eric Ayres Members of the Martins Ferry High School Marching Band perform holiday numbers during Friday’s Christmas parade in downtown Wheeling.

WHEELING — A light rain could not dampen the spirit of the Friendly City on Friday night when the Main Street Bank Fantasy in Lights Parade returned to the heart of downtown Wheeling for the first time in years.

The long-awaited homecoming of sorts came on the 40th anniversary of the parade – an annual holiday event that for generations of Ohio Valley residents has always marked the official kickoff of the holiday season.

“The Fantasy in Lights Parade is such a special tradition for the city of Wheeling,” said Jennifer Materkoski, newly named president of the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce, which presents the parade each year. “Not only is this the 40th anniversary, but this year is especially exciting as the parade comes back to its previous route, which is complimented this year by new LED snowflake lights made possible by an amazing effort from Wheeling Heritage.

“The Chamber extends a huge thank you to the parade committee which works so hard to make sure the parade is a success.”

In recent years, the parade route had to take a detour because of the state’s $37 million Downtown Streetscape Project, which turned Wheeling’s major downtown traffic arteries into construction zones. The past few parades were relocated to Center Wheeling and took a comparably shorter route.

With most of the work finally completed this year with smooth, newly paved streets and new sidewalks installed, the city welcomed the holiday procession back to its traditional route along Market and Main streets with open arms.

“It’s much better now that it’s wide open,” said Steve Bush of Wheeling. “We’re here and we can see everybody now. The bands are coming through and looking good. Even though we’ve got some rain, here we are.”

Most of Friday was dry with a forecast calling for a steady and consistent rain to start right before the parade stepped off. However, the temperatures stayed reasonably mild, and most parade goers didn’t even bother to take out an umbrella to fight off what amounted to a steady drizzle.

“It started out light and picked up a little bit later, but we’re doing good here,” said Megan Groves of Wheeling, who braved the elements with the kids to cheer on those they knew marching in the parade. “It’s great to see everyone out supporting the community.”

A total of 95 units were listed as participants in this year’s procession. From marching bands to floats from area businesses to dance troupes, everyone was giving their best effort to get the crowds that lined the streets into the holiday spirit.

Two grand marshals were featured in this year’s parade. The Wheeling University’s nationally recognized men’s and women’s rugby teams marched as grand marshals, and longtime Fantasy in Lights Parade veteran and recently retired WTRF-TV7 news director Brenda Danehart served as a grand marshal, as well.

This year’s event not only marked a return to the downtown, it was the first time adult parade goers were able to take advantage of Wheeling’s new Private Outdoor Designated Area or PODA District – where those over 21 can purchase alcoholic beverages at participating establishments and take them outside to enjoy. The parade route is situated entirely within Wheeling’s PODA District, and locations that are licensed PODA establishments – from The Bridge Tavern to The Capitol Theatre – put out advance notices to encourage parade attendees to grab a drink.

The parade, as always, was anchored by the arrival of Santa Claus, who followed the Wheeling Park Patriots High School Marching Band. Rolling in on a new float complete with a fleet of artificial reindeer, Santa ushered in the holidays in grand fashion.