Usher in Christmas at a Parade
When it comes to Christmas there’s nothing quite like the sights and sounds of a lighted parade with music. Belmont County has several Christmas parades in November and December to get you in the holiday spirit.
Sunday, Nov. 24 – The Belmont Savings Bank 2019 Christmas Parade, sponsored by the St. Clairsville Area Chamber of Commerce, takes place on Main Street in St. Clairsville from 4-8 p.m. The parade is followed by the lighting of the city Christmas tree in front of the Belmont County Courthouse.
Following the parade, children may visit with Santa Claus at the Belmont County Heritage Museum, next to the courthouse and across from the Christmas tree. There will be free cookies and parents may take a picture of their children with Santa Claus. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/718887211896099 for more information.
Saturday, Nov. 30, the Bellaire Volunteer Fire Department sponsors the village’s annual Christmas Parade. Lineup begins at 5 p.m. and the parade begins at 6:30 p.m. Categories include: Best Appearing Ladder, Engine and Squad; Best Dance Group, Best Marching Band, Best Christmas Float, Chief Choice and Best Non-Profit. Visit https://bellaireohiovfd.org/bellaire-christmas-parade for more information and to register.
The Village of Bellaire rolls out the red carpet for Santa and Mrs. Claus on Saturday, Nov. 30.
Thursday, Dec. 5, The Village of Barnesville and Mayor Dale Bunting light the village tree, decorated by local preschool children at 6 p.m. at the corner of Main and Arch streets. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served at 6:30 p.m. at the Barnesville Senior Center.
On Saturday, Dec. 7, an entire day of festivities resume with a Christmas Market from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Barnesville Elementary School from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vendors of all types will be selling the perfect Christmas gift for that special someone.
The Annual Santa’s Sprint is a 1 mile, point-to-point racing event that raises money for needy children during Christmas. It begins at 3 p.m. near Barnesville Middle School on Shamrock Drive. Online registration is available at https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Barnesville/8thAnnualSantasSpiritSprint . All money, donations, gift cards, and donations collected is used to purchase gifts, clothes, toys, and much more off of the kids’ Christmas wish lists.
All participants receive a ceramic-fired Christmas ornament, glow sticks, and jingle bells for their shoes. Participants are encouraged to dress up in the holiday spirit and to stick around for the parade immediately after the awards. They are also eligible for door prizes and to win one of over 110 beautifully hand-crafted Christmas trophies! Cookies and hot chocolate will be served. The lighted Christmas parade begins at 5:30 p.m. It is sponsored by Sulek and Dutton Real Estate and the Barnesville Area Chamber of Commerce. Line up starts at Barnesville High School at 3:30 p.m.. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus after the parade at Johnson Family Pottery, 118 E. Main St. in Barnesville. The pottery will also be open that day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information about any of the above events, visit http://barnesvilleohiochamber.com.
Also on Saturday, Dec. 7, is Bethesda’s Lighted Christmas Parade. Lineup begins at 6 p.m. on Virginia Street. The parade begins by Bethesda Market and ends downtown. A Community Christmas Celebration will be held immediately following the parade at the Veterans Memorial Plaza, next to Bethesda Municipal Building. A tree lighting ceremony begins at 7:30 p.m. and music will be performed by the Union Local High School Choir at 7:40 p.m. A Community Christmas Music Sing Along begins at 7:50 p.m. and cookies and beverages with Santa will be held in the Bethesda Community Room beginning at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 is Flushing’s Christmas Parade as well. Events begin with Breakfast with Santa sponsored by the Stratton Mill at the Flushing Methodist Church from 8:30-10 a.m. A craft show will be held in the Flushing Fire Hall at 8 a.m. There will also be free crafts for kids there. Parade line up begins at 9 a.m. at Schuler Park and the parade begins at 11 a.m. Kids can visit with Santa after the parade at the library. The fire department will also have a full concession open from 8-11 a.m. For more information, visit the Flushing Business Association and Project Group Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/FlushingBACPG.
The Flushing Christmas Parade will be Saturday morning, Dec. 7.
The village of Belmont’s annual Breakfast with Santa will be held on December 14 from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m., with the tree lighting taking place that evening at 6:30 p.m. Belmont resident and veteran Ed Blon will have the honor of flipping the switch.
