Time flies during a holiday month, so Bridgeport Parks and Recreation encourages groups to sign up for the City of Bridgeport Christmas Parade before the rush sets in.

 

This year’s parade is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Participating units - which typically include 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 meet and greets and photo ops. The Bridgeport Lions Club Pancake Feed will be happening in the lower level of the Civic Center.

 

It’s a big day in Bridgeport, one which starts with the Jingle Bell Jog 5K which doubles as a toy drive for the Salvation Army.

 

More information on all of those events is forthcoming but in the meantime, units can register for the Dec. 2 parade by completing the attached form and sending it to Bridgeport Parks and Recreation, 164 West Main Street, Bridgeport, WV 26330. Forms are also available at the Civic Center office.

 

Deadline for parade registration is 5 p.m. Wed., Nov. 29. Participating individuals are asked to call 304-842-8240 the week of the parade to receive instructions on their designated line-up location. Usually there are about 50 units in the holiday parade which is always very well attended by community members.

 

Kathy Csonka of Bridgeport Parks and Recreation said she would like to see this year’s parade the biggest to date. Bridgeport is a city with much to celebrate. She hopes groups take advantage of the holiday procession to share their accomplishments and spread their messages.

 

“Businesses are welcome to participate in the parade, too,” she said. “Especially for new businesses, it’s a great way to let people know about what you have to offer.”

  

Light Up Night, during which time the city Christmas tree is lit and city businesses host tents with holiday giveaways, will be held Thurs., Nov. 30. Hosted by the Associated Businesses of Bridgeport, that event annually dresses the city and sets the stage for the holiday parade. 

 

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

 

Parade units will line up beginning at 9 a.m. Dec. 2 in the area of Third Street, Grand Avenue and Fifth Street. Beginning at 8:45 a.m., there will be one-way traffic on those residential streets. Main Street will be closed to traffic from approximately 9:30 a.m through about 11 a.m.