A much looked forward to event in St. Clairsville is making its official return in a few weeks.
That’s because the Belmont Savings Bank St. Clairsville Christmas Parade will once again make its way through downtown St. Clairsville in full force. The parade is set for Sunday, Nov. 21, starting at 4 p.m.
The parade is put on by the St. Clairsville Area Chamber of Commerce. A modified parade was held in December 2020 that wound through town to allow city residents to enjoy some holiday cheer.
COVID isn’t forcing a reworking of this year’s parade, however.
The night before, the annual tree-lighting ceremony will be held in front of the Belmont County Courthouse and will be sponsored by Belmont Savings Bank and Chick-Fil-A.
“There will be cookies and milk provided for the kids, and Santa will be available in the historical museum,” said Wendy Anderson, the director of the St. Clairsville Area Chamber of Commerce. “Parents will be able to take pictures of their children with Santa.”
The next afternoon, the parade begins at 4 p.m., with John O. Costine serving as the parade’s grand marshall.
“He’s the oldest practicing attorney in the state of Ohio,” Anderson noted.
The parade itself will be tape-delayed broadcast by WTRF, both on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for anyone who misses the parade live or just wants to watch it again from the comfort of their couch.
Anderson is expecting a big turnout though, given the change of format for 2020. Residents from both St. Clairsville, and beyond, will want to venture out to enjoy the festivities. Anticipation is already building.
“Things are really starting to pop now,” Anderson said. “In the beginning, I think people were waiting and seeing, but now they know for sure it’s a go, and they are contacting to make sure they get in.”
Signups are still being taken if there are any last-minute entrants wanting to participate Anderson said. Interested parties may contact the chamber at (740) 695-9623 up until and including November 5.
An Almost Nighttime Parade
Traditionally a nighttime parade, Anderson admitted it took a few years for people to get used to the afternoon parade.
It initially was given a 2 p.m. start time but has since been moved back to 4 p.m. So, toward the tail end of the parade, it starts getting dark outside which provides the best of both worlds for parade participants and watchers.
“The people do like the nighttime parade,” Anderson said. “The first year we did it at 2, but we then pushed it back to 4. In November it starts getting darker earlier, and by the time the parade runs through, it’s dark enough.”
Safety and prep work were a concern which was one of the reasons for the daytime start time. It allowed parade participants to set up and put the finishing touches on their floats and costumes in the daylight.
“Getting set up in the dark is really difficult,” Anderson said, noting that participants now start showing up around 2 p.m. to get ready. “It’s so much easier to do during the day.”
The parade starts on Woodrow Avenue, makes a right to come up Ohio 9, and makes the corner to travel down East Main Street past the courthouse.
Anderson said the staff and board are excited about the parade. It’s a lot of work and can be stressful, but they are happy to be back at it.
“We have a new employee who’s never done it before, so we’re really excited for her and for all the people getting involved.”
For more information, check out the St. C. Chamber online or on Facebook.
