For about as far back as anyone can remember, Bridgeport residents have gathered for pancakes after the city’s Christmas parade. Both the parade and the Lions Club pancake feed are this Saturday, as is the 14^th Annual Jingle Bell Jog. That event has also become a holiday staple event in the city. Organizers hope community members will support all three festive events.

 

Lisa Zirkle of Bridgeport Parks and Recreation said about 40 units have registered for the parade, scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30 is the deadline for units to register by calling Bridgeport Parks and Recreation at 304-842-8240. Units already registered can call the same number to receive instructions on where to line up.

 

 After lining up at  those designated locations at 9 a.m., the units - bands, dance groups, civic clubs, police and fire departments, sports teams and school organizations - will make their way from the Main Street/Route 131 intersection to the Benedum Civic Center.

 

There at the city hub, parade marshals Santa and Mrs. Claus will join children for hot chocolate and be available for meeting and greeting. Residents can also gather in the lower floor of the Civic Center, where the pancake feed will take place 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. On the menu are pancakes and sausage; coffee and orange juice. Pancake feed tickets can be purchased through any Bridgeport Lions Club member or at the door. The donation is $8 for adults and $5 for children age six to 12. Children age five and under eat free.

 

Each year, proceeds from the event are utilized to fund the civic club’s many community projects, including the distribution of eyeglasses and organization of the annual Easter Egg Hunt for the visually impaired.

Although a steady stream of breakfast and brunch guests are expected throughout the six-hour span, the largest amount of customers are anticipated following the parade and Jingle Bell Jog. The 5K run/fitness walk which begins at 8:30 a.m. doubles as a toy drive for the Salvation Army. In recent years, the effort has resulted in a generous assortment of dolls, games and other toys, said Organizer Mary Ann Renzelli.

 

There is no registration fee, Renzelli said.

 

“Just bring a new unwrapped toy valued at or around $10,” she said.

 

Those toys will be distributed to area residents through the Salvation Army. Last year, about 80 runners/walkers participated and therefor 80 new toys resulted. 

 

Participants of the run/fitness walk will receive complimentary tickets to the pancake feed. The Jingle Bell Jog course starts at the Benedum Civic Center, passes the tennis courts and pool and crosses over the city walking trail to the soccer field. After looping around the park twice, participants will return via the same route and be treated to Christmas music along the course.

 

Light Up Night is this Thursday, which always sets the stage for the trio of Saturday events.

 

“When you put everything together it’s really a down-home type of community event. I imagine most everyone leaves that day feeling pretty good,” said Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Joe Shuttleworth.