STEUBENVILLE — There’ll be more Christmas fun in Steubenville Saturday when the Sights and Sounds of Christmas Parade rolls through downtown, adding to the holiday magic.

The parade will begin at noon at North Street and will travel along Fourth Street through the heart of Nutcracker Village to South Street. Parade Coordinator Mary Snyder said this year, 66 units signed up — everything from bands and floats to Shriners, horses and, of course, the Jolly Old Elf himself.

“It’s a good time, people getting together and enjoying themselves, making memories and sharing good times together,” Snyder said. “Really, it’s a touch of joy in a world that has many problems. So, it’s a time to celebrate, be together and forget about problems for a while, if you can.”

This year’s grand marshal is businessman and community benefactor Scott Campbell. Owner of M&M True Value Hardware, Campbell works behind the scenes with various community organizations, including Historic Fort Steuben and the Steubenville Visitors Center.

“Scott was chosen because of all his many contributions here at the fort, particularly, but all throughout the community,” Snyder said. “His contributions, his dedication and help here and throughout the community — he does a lot for the community, and for us … the lighted hoops over the sidewalks (for Christmas at the Fort), he has his employees come and put them up. He not only supplies them but they put them up and take them down. That’s just one example of what he does for the community.”

Mayor Jerry Barilla will be in the parade as well. Since this is his last year as mayor of Steubenville, she said he’s invited Mayor-elect Ralph Petrella to join him in the car.

Snyder said this year, you’ll see a mix of parade newcomers and perennial favorites. Sprinkled among the entries, she said, will be three bands — crowd favorites Harding Middle School, Steubenville Big Red and Catholic Central High School, as well as three dance troupes — Studio B, Main Street Dance and Brenda Casey — and three Shriners groups — two from Weirton and one from Steubenville–with their mini patrols and Tin Lizzis.

The Wooden Heart Follies performers, mainstays at Steubenville Nutcracker Village, will be in the parade, as well as area churches, area homecoming queens, police and firefighters.

Santa Claus again will arrive on the Kessler float.

“It’s become a tradition for us,” she said. “It’s actually a steel tanker that he converted into a sleigh. We’re very thankful to have it. Santa will be riding it with various children.”

They’ve also got a martial arts group that will be performing, not to mention the saddle club.

“And a number of businesses are bringing big floats — Eastern Ohio Construction, a crowd favorite, is back, plus there are a number of other entries,” Snyder said, adding Bowers Contracting & Crane Service, Cardinal Operating Co. and Speedy Construction will be represented in the parade lineup.

Snyder said the four companies each entered floats in the 60-foot to 75-foot range, “which is nice, they’ll be impressive.”

“It definitely sets the tone for Christmas in Steubenville. We’ve had some really nice weather these last couple of years, but this year it could be a little blustery and we may even see some snowflakes, but the parade will go on rain or shine or snow.”

Entries will be judged, with prizes awarded at a later date to the top three finishers in two categories — floats and non-floats — as well as the grand prize and mayor’s award.

“Parades aren’t just for kids,” Snyder reminded. “Everybody loves parades, if for nothing else than the excitement of the music and people cheering on. It’s good for Steubenville, it’s good for people. It sets the mood — that’s why we want to make it as good and as joyful and happy as possible.”