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ST. CLAIRSVILLE -- The city of St. Clairsville is planning to spread some holiday cheer this Saturday by holding a parade that will travel throughout multiple neighborhoods in the city.
Mayor Kathryn Thalman said this unofficial Christmas parade will be a bit different than the traditional parade -- instead of the parade driving down one street and people gathering around to view it, the parade will travel down multiple streets and loop around neighborhoods, bringing the parade past residents’ homes.
“We’re going to be driving through some of the larger neighborhoods, and people can come out of their homes to wave,” she said.
The neighborhood parade will decrease the gathering that a traditional parade brings, Thalman said.
The parade will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday at Senior Suites at St. Clair Commons and travel down Main Street, visiting various side streets along the way including Walnut Avenue, Parshall Avenue, S. Sugar Street, Newell Avenue, N. Market Street, Marietta Street and more. Parade participants will not distribute candy this year due to safety measures, she said.
Thalman said the city wanted to keep the Christmas spirit alive this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic and spread some holiday cheer among the city’s residents.
“We’re just trying to make it a little bit exciting for kids since everything has been different this year,” she said.
The parade will also make its way around Forest Hill Care Center along Reservoir Road to visit the nursing home’s residents. Thalman said they want to assure the care center’s residents that they are not forgotten.
“Mrs. Claus and an elf will get out and wave in the windows of the center because we really want our elderly to know that we’re thinking about them and we’re praying for them,” she said.
Thalman said at least 10 vehicles will participate in this weekend’s parade including Santa Claus, who will be aboard the Cumberland Trail Fire District’s truck; Mrs. Claus and some holiday helpers, the St. Clairsville High School band and more.
Thalman said anyone wishing to decorate their vehicle and join the parade may do so. The parade line up time is at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at St. Clair Commons.
“Anyone who would like to join the parade is invited to do so. Just put some decorations on your car and follow us through town for the parade,” Thalman said.
Hot chocolate and cookies, donated by Winter Sweets, Riesbeck's and Thalman, will be served to those participating in the event.