Registration Open for Bridgeport Christmas Parade
By Julie Perine on October 28, 2019 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
It's not beginning to look like Christmas yet, but it is time to be thinking about the Bridgeport Christmas Parade and making plans for your unit to participate.
Registration is open for clubs, dance teams, churches, businesses and other organizations to take part in this year's holiday procession, scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7.
“If you participated in the past, forms went out by email and also by regular mail if we had your address,” said Michelle Leonard of Bridgeport Parks and Recreation. “If you have not received a form or if you are new to the area and participating for the first time, reach out to us (304-842-8240) and we will send you a form or you can download it (HERE) or stop in the Benedum Civic Center office.”
As always, units will assemble in the area including and between Fifth Street and Third Street, funneling onto Main Street and progressing East to the Benedum Civic Center. 
Spectators can line Main Street to cheer on festivities. After the parade concludes, residents can have hot cocoa with Santa and Mrs. Claus; kids having opportunity to share their Christmas wish lists and pose for pictures.
Spectators can line Main Street to cheer on festivities. After the parade concludes, residents can have hot cocoa with Santa and Mrs. Claus; kids having opportunity to share their Christmas wish lists and pose for pictures.
The Annual Bridgeport Lions Club Pancake Feed will also be taking place in the lower level of the Civic Center. Both events will be preceded by the Annual Jingle Bell Jog. More details on both of those events are forthcoming on Connect-Bridgeport.
Units can register for the Dec. 7 parade by completing the attached form and sending it to Bridgeport Parks and Recreation, 164 West Main Street, Bridgeport, WV 26330.
Forms must be received by 5 p.m. Wed., Dec. 4. Participating individuals are asked to call 304-842-8240 the week of the parade to receive instructions on their designated line-up location. Typically, about 50 units participate in the parade, which is one of the city's most popular events of the year and brings out folks to line Main Street. 
Light Up Night, during which time the city Christmas tree is lit and city businesses host tents with holiday giveaways, will be held Thurs., Dec. 5. Hosted by the Associated Businesses of Bridgeport, that event annually dresses the city and sets the stage for the holiday parade.
Organizers are hoping for better weather for this year's parade. As pictured, last year's event was a rainy one. Photos are by Ben Queen Photography.
