PERFORMANCE — Catholic Central High School’s marching band performed during the Wintersville Christmas parade Sunday afternoon. The band, under the direction of Ezekiel Paulowski, performed two songs and two drum cadences along Main Street. -- Julie Stenger

WINTERSVILLE — The magic of Christmas arrived on Main Street Sunday afternoon.

Santa Claus, even made an appearance, his red suit bright against the darkening gray sky, his white beard dancing in the cold breeze as he waved to children. Their eyes lit up at the sight of Old St. Nick.

Ahead of him, the annual Wintersville Christmas parade, which unfolded like a living postcard. Each float, each marching band, entertaining the families which lined the sidewalks, bundled in their coats and scarves. Candy was tossed from floats and emergency vehicles into the eager hands of young ones, while dance studios and marching bands filled the street with rhythm and cheer. The flurries that fell seemed timed perfectly, as if nature itself wanted to remind us that December had truly arrived.

The procession began at Ferguson’s House of Furniture in the Riesbeck’s plaza and wound its way to Kroger, a route lined with hundreds of residents and visitors who came not just to watch, but to feel part of something larger — a community stepping together into the holiday spirit. Catholic Central High School’s band, under the direction of Ezekiel Paulowski, played with precision and pride, offering “Christmas on the March” and “Hard Rockin’ Holiday Parade,” their drum cadences echoing down the street.

Paulowski shared that the band had been rehearsing since October, a tradition they look forward to each year. Indian Creek’s Marching Band followed, their energy and decorated instruments drawing applause from the crowd.

HAPPY DAY — Children from Crossroads Christian Church in Wintersville waved to the spectators gathered along Main Street on Sunday afternoon, as the village celebrated the holiday season with its annual Christmas parade. -- Julie Stenger

Floats sparkled with lights and creativity. Crossroads Christian Church brought smiles with its children’s float, carefully planned since July under the guidance of Mike and Heather Waggoner. Children’s Director Kristina Gable beamed as she spoke of the joy her group finds in participating each year, even as snowflakes dusted their coats.

“Wintersville does a wonderful job,” she said, her words echoing the gratitude felt by many.

The parade was rich with variety — fire trucks and police cruisers, a Candy House float, vehicles from local businesses and even royalty.

Jefferson County Fair Princess Mimi Ault and Indian Creek High School Homecoming Queen Aziah Ade waved to the crowd and told them, “Merry Christmas.”

Local talent shone through as dozens of students enrolled in Lisa’s Dance Elite and the Place for Dance did their routines before the audience, waving pom-poms and performing flips.

GOOD DAY FOR A PARADE — Jefferson County Fair Princess Mimi Ault sat in the back of a truck and waved to the crowds gathered along Main Street in Wintersville to watch the annual Christmas parade. Ault was one of several floats in this year’s event, which was the largest the village has seen in a long time, according to Mayor Mike Petrella. -- Julie Stenger

The Steubenville Shrine Club delighted many with their tiny cars, weaving playfully along the route. The Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 97, Steel Valley Regional Transit Authority, the JB Green Team, Indian Creek High School softball, Valvoline Express Care and Lock and Load Coffee Shop all joined in, each presence a reminder of how many hands and hearts contribute to making this event a success for the village.

The parade concluded a weekend of festivities, presented by village volunteers and officials involved with the street fair Wednesdays in Wintersville.

This weekend was a means of ensuring that the spirit of Christmas will linger long after the floats have been parked and the music fades into the distance.

Mayor Mike Petrella reflected on the day with pride.

“It was our largest parade to date,” he said. “Every year, we have gained more and more entries since December 2022. The crowd was great as well. It means a lot to have the community out and come together for the holiday season. We thank all the participants and all the citizens. Hopefully, we can make it even bigger and better next year.”

STAR OF THE SHOW — Santa Claus rounded out the afternoon, waving to passersby awaiting to see the jolly old man from the North Pole. Sunday’s parade completed a weekend of holiday activities in the village. -- Julie Stenger

And so, as the lights dimmed and the snow continued to fall, Wintersville stood wrapped in the warmth of tradition, community and the promise of Christmas — a reminder that the season is not only about celebration, but about coming together, year after year, to keep the spirit alive.

CREEK BAND — Members of the Indian Creek High School marching band performed for the spectators gathered along the sidewalks of Main Street in Wintersville for the village’s annual Christmas parade. -- Julie Stenger