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MARTINS FERRY -- The Martins Ferry Volunteer Fire Department hosted its 36th annual Christmas parade on Friday.
Before the parade, the fire department set up activities for the community in the city park. The event featured bouncy houses, ice skating, vendors and music.
Fire Chief I Tom Kelly Jr. said that Martins Ferry residents support the fire department in many ways, so he wanted to give back to the community.
"We wanted to thank everyone for their support and give back to the community. You know, some people can't afford Betty Zane Days, so we wanted it to be free," Kelly said.
"If it's successful, we want to keep it going," Fire Chief II Ron Hilton said.
Hilton said that he wanted to thank the mayor, city officials and the park district for allowing them to host the event in the park.
He also said that he wanted to thank all of the volunteers who helped put the event together including spouses of the firefighters.
Project Forward sponsored reindeer in the park. The two reindeer were brought in from Sandusky, Ohio, by Sell's Reindeer Exhibits. Everyone attending the event had the chance to hand-feed the reindeer apple slices.
"We're just glad to do this for the people of Martins Ferry," Joe Lovell of Project Forward said.
This year's parade had a longer route so that more people and organizations could participate and so that more residents and community members could see the parade. Kelly also said that he wanted to end the parade at the park this year so that the department could host more Christmas events there after the parade.
"That way the vendors can utilize the park, and there's just more room down here. It's our first time ending it at the park," he said.
Kelly said that the whole fire department made the decision to end the parade at the park and host free activities for the community. He said that he wants to thank the entire department for their support.
Kelly said that the parade had a great turnout of both participants and spectators. The annual parade featured marching bands, dance groups, floats, fire trucks and police and EMS vehicles.
Stacy Carpino, Retail Banking Executive and Area Sales Manager at Unified Bank, served as this year's grand marshal. Unified Bank sponsors the parade every year.
Kelly said that he wants to wish everyone happy holidays.
After the parade, the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony took place in the park followed by fireworks.
"This is another great event done by the fire department," Mayor John Davies said.