Wellsburg warms up for annual parade
By JULIE GHRIST, Staff writer
POSTED: November 28, 2009
WELLSBURG — Temperatures in the 30s, along with flakes of snow drifting from the sky, made Friday’s theme “Home for the Holidays” appear quite fitting for Wellsburg residents attending the annual Christmas parade.
Bundled in their hats, gloves and scarves, families lined both sides of Charles Street to catch a glimpse of what the Christmas season has in store. Sponsored by the Wellsburg Chamber of Commerce, and overseen by parade coordinator Debbie Baker, this year’s titled theme, was “very appropriate” in that it celebrates both current and past citizens within their home town.
Baker has been overseeing the parade since 1993 and explained this year’s celebration featured between 75 to 100 units, including several local businesses.
Among those participating was Brooke County Commissioner Bernie Kazienko, who served as the parade’s marshal.
Kazienko, along with the late Julie Caldwell, a former Wellsburg councilwoman, were named the chamber’s 2008 Citizens of the Year. According to Baker, it is tradition the recipient of the award be named parade marshal.
“I’m just happy and pleased to be here today,” Kazienko said. “This parade is something the people look forward to every year. It’s a time when friends and family come home to be together. And it’s really nice to see all of your old friends, too.”
He said those involved in the planning have done “a really great job this year,” and concluded by noting he is excited for the day because it serves as the kick-off to his collecting toys for area children in need — a project he has undertaken for years.
Mayor Sue Simonetti commented the parade is “a wonderful way to start the holiday season.” She then wished everyone a happy holiday and exclaimed she is very pleased that for the first time this year, city employees were given the opportunity to ride on a float in the parade with their families.
Others taking part in the “Home for the Holidays” celebration were the Brooke High School and Wellsburg Middle School marching bands, the Brooke County Special Olympics riding on a float donated by Main Street Bank, and local churches and area businesses, including Aladdin Signs in Wellsburg.
Fire departments from throughout the area also attended the parade, including those from Wellsburg, Follansbee, Franklin, Windsor Heights, Hooverson Heights and McKinleyville.
Others involved in the event were the Tin Lizzy Patrol Shriners, with past president Bud Brown summing up in seven words the reason why he and others were there.
“We ride so the kids can walk.”
Brown said the money raised through drawings and other fundraisers goes to the Shriners Hospital to help children in need.
Baker concluded by thanking all those who participated in this year’s parade.
“This is something everyone looks forward to every year, and we just thank them for supporting this tradition.”
(Ghrist can be contacted at
jstenger@heraldstaronline.com.)
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