Despite the pouring rain, residents lined the streets downtown with their umbrellas for the annual Ironton Lions Club Christmas Parade.

“I think it’s great for the community to have this parade,” Lou Pyles, Ironton Lions Club member and parade organizer, said. “It brings people out downtown to see family members and friends that might be in the parade. It also shows support for our schools and the businesses involved as well as starting off the Christmas season.”

The Ironton Lions Club has organized the parade since 2003.

“We’ve gone through some rough weather to have these,” Herb Brown, Lions Club member, said. “Just like tonight.”

The parade featured the VFW 8850 Honor Guard, the Ironton Fire Department, the volunteer fire departments of Upper and Hamilton townships, the Ironton High School marching band, flag corps and cheerleaders, Wendy’s, Cyndi’s Dance Studio, the COAD foster grandparent program, Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital, the Ohio State Patrol, Patriot Ambulance, the Yvonne Dekay School of Dance, Ohio University Southern and first time participants Green Acres Regional Center and the Shake Shoppe.

“For us, the community gives a lot to our program,” Jeff Sanders, Ironton High School band director, said. “The parade gives us a chance to give something back to the community.”

The Ironton High School marching band has been involved in every one of the Ironton Christmas parades.

“Often times we are the only band to show up, but we are here every year. Despite the weather, we are still glad to do something for the community,” Sanders said. “We appreciate the Lions Club organizing these events and we are always happy to do them.”