Rolling in with December is a trio of beloved community holiday events. The star attraction is the 10 a.m. Bridgeport Christmas Parade which will proceed west on Main Street from Oliverio's Ristorante to the Benedum Civic Center. 

 

"We have over 60 groups in the parade this year - which is up from previous years," said Amy Callahan, recreation coordinator for Bridgeport Parks and Recreation. "We have several new participants this year and we are looking forward to having In-Step Dance Studio, which just returned from performing in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade."

 

The parade will feature the Bridgeport High School Marching Band, school dance lines, the Nemesis Shriner Mini Corvettes, church floats, sports teams, and many other units, including Santa and Mrs. Claus. Amony many other units, the parade will include the cast of "A Children's Nutcracker" from Studio 9 Dance Academy. Following the parade, the cast will be available at Studio 9 (corner of Main and Center streets) for photo opps and dancing with any donation to studio dancers. 

 

From Virginia Avenue to Route 131, Main Street will be closed from 9:30 a.m. through 11 a.m. There will be no street parking on Grand Avenue from 8 a.m. through 12 p.m. 

 

If you can't make the parade in person, tune into the MVB traffic cam HERE for visual coverage from the Benedum Civic Center.

 

Running and walking enthusiasts can start the day earlier by participating in the annual Jingle Bell Jog 5K. Be at the Civic Center by 8 a.m. to register and bring a new, unwrapped toy. The collected toys will be distributed to area kids in need through the Salvation Army. The walk/run will begin at 8:30 a.m., progressing along the City Trail to City Park, looping the park and returning to the Civic Center. 

 

All Jingle Bell Jog participants will be treated to free pancakes at the Lions Club Pancake Feed which takes place at the Civic Center 8 a.m. through noon Saturday. Featuring IHOP pancake batter, breakfast also includes sausage. The cost is $8 for adults and $5 for kids age 6-12. Kids age 5 and under eat free. All proceeds help The Bridgeport Lions Club continue its quest to service the communiity through projects such as free vision screenings, free diabetic checks, student scholarships, and much more. Read more about the pancake feed HERE.

 

Although Bridgeport Parks and Recreation had hoped to open the ice skating rink this weekend, that will be delayed approximately a week.