About 30 units have registered to take part in the Bridgeport Christmas Parade, scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. Organizers remind local sports teams, clubs, dance and cheer squads, churches, businesses and other organizations that registration must be complete by 5 p.m. Wed., Dec. 4. 

 

According to Bridgeport Recreation Coordinator Katie Squires, some units that typically are part of the procession have yet to register and they all play an important role in the annual parade.  Registration forms have been sent out to units which participated in the past. Units new to this year's event can download a registration form HERE,  call the Benedum Civic Center at 304-842-8240 or stop in the Civic Center office on West Main Street. After forms are completed, they can be mailed to Bridgeport Parks and Recreation, 164 West Main Street, Bridgeport, WV 26330.

 

As always, units will assemble in the area including and between Fifth Street and Third Street, funneling onto Main Street and progressing west 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. 

 

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. 

 

This  year, the Lions Club is teaming up with IHOP to treat residents to a pancake breakfast with a holiday flare. Between 8 a.m. and noon, the Civic Center will be open for dine-in pancake and sausage breakfast/brunch. Both eat-in and carry-out prices are $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 12. Children age 5 and under eat for free.Tickets can be purchased at the door or prior to the event by contacting any Lions Club member or calling 304-842-5895. All proceeds benefit programs, projects and initiatives of the Bridgeport/Harrison County community in which the Lions Club is involved. By providing pancake batter, syrup and butter, IHOP is helping to heighten event proceeds. 

 

The 17th Annual Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk will start at 8:30 a.m. Registration starts at 7:15 a.m. All participants will receive a free breakfast at the Lions Club event. There is no registration fee, but all walkers/runners are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy. The toys received will collectively be delivered to the Salvation Army and  ultimately delivered to children in need this holiday season. The race begins at the Civic Center and proceeds cross the city walking trail, down the hill to City Park where racers will complete two loops and head back to the Civic Center. 

 

During parade week, a representative of each registered unit can call Bridgeport Parks and Recreation 304-842-8240 to receive instructions about designated line-up locations. Typically, about 50 units participate in the parade, which is one of the city's most popular events of the year and brings out enthusiastic city residents 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 dresses the city and sets the stage for the holiday parade.

 

Editor's Note: Photos are by Ben Queen Photography.