Fantasy in Lights Lite: Christmas Parade Route Shortened
Trending
By JOSELYN KING
Staff Writer
WHEELING -- The Wheeling Chamber of Commerce is continuing with plans for this year’s Christmas parade downtown, but the celebration to welcome Santa is going to be a little shorter.
Organizers have pared down the route for the Main Street Bank Fantasy in Lights Parade, set for 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 20, according to chamber president. Erikka Storch.
The parade route still will kick off near West Virginia Northern Community College before proceeding down Market Street. Instead of marching to 10th Street along Market Street as in past years, the route will instead make the turn at 12th Street, then proceed to Main Street.
From there, the route will turn back along Main Street to finish at 16th Street.
"We may have to look at entries differently," Storch said. "Typically we have 90 to 95 entries. This year we may (need) to have less, and have them spaced out more."
The only concern is that Santa must enter the parade route prior to 8 p.m. and the end of the television broadcast, she said.
The chamber will not be selling tickets for bleacher seats this year, as the chamber is encouraging people to watch the parade from home if possible, Storch said.
It is an outside event, and she believes that, in itself, will help prevent the spread of COVID-19 who do choose to attend in person, she said.
Bands from local schools are expected to participate.
“We have talked to several bands who are anxious for the opportunity to be able to perform. The students have worked very hard to get to this place, and to have their pieces prepared.
“We also have spoken to several band directors who have the equipment necessary to keep their band members safe.”
Many band members can’t wear a mask while playing their instruments, and such items as flute guards and bell covers for horn instruments have been purchased.
In addition, band directors say they have increased spacing between their band members so they can march safely, according to Storch.
Applications for those wishing to march in the parade are available on the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce’s website at wheelingchamber.com. Applications are due Oct. 19.
Plans are not concrete, and could be amended in the coming days based on the number of COVID-19 cases reported and other environmental factors, according to Storch.
“If there is a sudden burst of outbreaks, we will be responsible and adjust accordingly,” she said. “But for now we believe we can do the parade safely. We are in contact with (Ohio County Health Administrator) Howard Gamble, and we are in a good place.”