Children throughout Lawrence County should start making their wish lists.

Wednesday, November 15, 2000

Children throughout Lawrence County should start making their wish lists.

Santa’s coming to the Ironton Business Association’s annual Ironton Christmas Parade, Nov. 27 at 7 p.m.

The IBA is continuing to look for participants to help usher St. Nick through town, IBA Co-president Lou Pyles said.

"We’ve had a lot of people calling to inquire about getting a float in the parade," Mrs. Pyles said. "Each year, we try to keep the parade children-oriented and we try to have a lot of excitement for the children."

Participation continues to grow in the six-division parade. Time for entries is limited.

"We are accepting requests to be in the parade up to Nov. 20," she said. "We would like to encourage organizations to participate in this event."

The hour long event features many local organizations.

"We typically have well over 200 participants in the parade," Mrs. Pyles said. "Last year, we had llamas in the parade. The people loved it so much that we’ve asked them to come back this year. They will be in full dress with bridals and they will be pulling a little carriage."

Also included will be many floats, local high school bands and lots of glittering fire trucks.

"The Girl Scouts will be working the parade along with many of Santa’s little helpers," she said. "We will have many of the different pageant queens, little dance schools and many of the other traditional participants that make this parade so special."

Several area churches are also planning to enter a Christmas float. And the parade will follow its usual route.

"The parade route will begin at Railroad Street and run down Second Street to Adams Street," Mrs. Pyles said. "From Adams, it goes to Third Street and proceeds up to Center Street where it turns to Fourth Street and ends at Fourth and Railroad streets."

Santa will be in the parade, as always

"He will be riding in his horse-drawn carriage because we probably won’t have that much snow," Mrs. Pyles said. "It takes a lot of snow a lot of snow for him to come visit us in his sled. After the parade, Santa is planning to visit the IBA office to take children’s wish lists. They will want to be sure to get their lists to him."

If it rains, the parade will be held Dec. 4 at 7 p.m., she said.

"This is one last event sponsored by the IBA to show residents our appreciation of their business in our downtown area," she said. "The downtown shopping season will open after the parade to usher in the holiday season. We invite everyone to attend."