T-L Photos/GAGE VOTA Santa and Mrs. Claus ride on the back of the recently restored original OR&W Fire District truck at the Shadyside Christmas parade.

SHADYSIDE — Shadyside residents were out in full force for the annual Christmas parade Friday despite the blistering cold.

The temperature was 28 degrees Fahrenheit during the event with a windchill of 21 degrees as the floats and fire trucks began their descent into the crowded village to spread holiday cheer.

The parade began at 7 p.m. with participants lining up at 6 p.m. on Highland Avenue.

The route was the entirety of the village’s historic Loop section of Central Avenue from 36th Street to the Shadyside Public Library. The street was closed to traffic by the Shadyside Police Department from 6:45 p.m. until the end of the parade to ensure the safety of everybody involved.

Over 30 floats from various Ohio Valley businesses and organizations participated.

“We’re up to 32 floats entries plus the various fire trucks that showed up,” Shadyside Chamber of Commerce member Bobbi Jo Kinemond said.

She added that she believes the parade continues to grow each year and that she is incredibly thankful to the community for its support.

“We love that the community comes out and supports everything that we do,” she said. “We just had our Christmas tree lighting and had a lot of people out.”

Of course, no Christmas parade is complete without Santa. The jolly old elf came to town with the assistance of the OR&W Fire District, riding on the back of its recently restored original fire truck.

Kinemond was not a fan of the cold weather but said that she believes the community continues to support the parade because it’s a longstanding tradition for people to line the streets as area children eagerly wait for their chance to see Santa Claus.

Kinemond said the parade wouldn’t be possible without several people volunteering their time because it doesn’t have a title sponsor and is only possible with the help of the community all coming together.

“We want to thank everybody who helps put this parade together,” Kinemond said.

She added that New Life Fellowship Pastor Joel Traylor volunteered his time by printing all of the promotional materials needed to ensure the parade was properly promoted. DJ Mike Ringer and resident Jay Johnson also played pivotal roles in the organization of the parade, according to Kinemond.

“Mike Ringer provided the music and sound system for the night, and Jay Johnson helped put the lights up for us,” She said. “Everybody’s involved and helps us do things.”