It’s arguably – along with Light Up Night – one of the most anticipated days of the year in Bridgeport. And the annual event has not only been officially scheduled, but the City of Bridgeport is looking for people to participate in it from more than just a spectator’s standpoint.

 

Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Joe Shuttleworth recently announced that the 2015 City of Bridgeport Christmas Parade will be held Dec. 5 starting at 10 a.m. The event, which generally lasts a little more than an hour, will run from the Main Street (U.S.  Route 50) intersection with State Route 131 to the Benedum Civic Center.

 

“It’s a really big event that draws a large crowd almost regardless of the weather,” said Shuttleworth. “You have a carryover of a really big week that begins (Dec. 3) with Light Up Night and so many other events that take place.”

 

The parade generally features as many as 50 entrants. And the biggest entrant of all is the final one – Santa and Mrs. Claus. Shuttleworth said the pair have confirmed their appearance this year and will once again scour the streets on top of a Bridgeport Fire Department truck and stop for visits after the parade at the Benedum Civic Center.

 

“Children can meet Santa afterwards at the Civic Center and get a cup of hot chocolate,” said Shuttleworth. “There’s plenty going on that day.”

 

Shuttleworth isn’t just providing lip service. Along with the parade, there is the annual Jingle Bell Jog that morning and the Bridgeport Lion’s Club will be holding the annual Pancake Feed.

 

“When you put everything together it’s really a down-home type of community event with so many children watching and then you have a lot of people participating,” said Shuttleworth.  “You’ll have groups like the high school band, various sports teams, civic groups, the police and fire departments and numerous others. What it does is brings everyone together and I imagine most everyone leaves that day feeling pretty good.”

 

If you want to get your group involved, it’s not that difficult to do. All you have to do is click HERE for a form to enter the event. If you have questions, you can contact Parks and Recreation at 304-842-8240.

 

Main Street will be shut down to traffic prior to the event – at roughly 9:45 a.m. – until the completion of the parade. Traffic will be detoured at Route 131 and Virginia Avenue. Shuttleworth advised that heavy truck traffic find other alternative routes around Bridgeport during that time frame.

 

For those concerned about the staging area that is now a construction site for the new Shop ‘n Save, Shuttleworth said it shouldn’t be a problem. He said other lots in the area will be utilized.

 

Editor's Note: Photos by Tyler Maxwell of www.benqueenphotography.com.