Holiday events happening all over county

There is a flurry of Christmas parades and events coming up.

The Ironton Christmas parade will be at 6 p.m. tonight.

“The Lions Club likes to kick off the holiday season here in Ironton, to bring in a little holiday cheer for people,” said Lou Pyles, the parade organizer. The Ironton Lions Club sponsors the event.

Some of the parade participants include the Ironton High School Marching Band and cheerleaders, as well as cheerleaders from Ironton Middle School, Rock Hill Middle School, and St. Joseph High School, El Hasa Shrine, fire departments, ambulances, and many more groups.

“The Paramount Players are going to participate this year and we are excited by that,” Pyles said.
And Santa Claus will be making an appearance in the parade as well.

“He will be the last person in the parade,” she said. “And he will be riding in a Jeep this year. That’s because there is no snow, so he can’t bring a sled and the reindeer.”

Kids who want to see Santa in person can meet him at 5:15 p.m. while parade participants are lining up.

“He will be at Fourth and Railroad streets at the One Stop parking lot,” Pyles said. “Children can talk to him and tell them what they want for Christmas and everything. They are welcome to do that before the parade starts.”

The Lions Club is asking any of the parade participants to be at their staging point by 5:15 p.m. and no later than 5:30 p.m.

“It’s easier to line everyone up that way,” Pyles said.

The parade route begins at Second and Railroad streets, down Second Street to Washington Street, Washington to Third Street and Third Street to the Center Street fountain.

“Really, we just try to bring some joy and happiness to the city,” Pyles said. “And it’s after Thanksgiving and time to start the shopping season, and we hope to bring some joy. We really enjoy putting the parade on.”

The Village of Chesapeake will have Christmas tree lighting at 6 p.m. on Thursday in Triangle Park.

“Santa Claus will arrive on a fire truck and then we will light the tree,” said former Chesapeake mayor Dick Gilpin. “Then we will have hot chocolate and cookies for people.”

He said that there would be singing from the high school and elementary school choirs.

“We have about 200 people attend,” Gilpin said. “Mainly parents and grandparents coming out see their kids singing. It’s always a nice time.”

On Saturday, the Lawrence County Museum’s annual Historical Church Walk will be at 5 p.m. at Ironton First Baptist Church. The walk will conclude with refreshments at the museum.

The annual Russell, Kentucky Christmas parade will start at 7 p.m. on Dec. 7 in downtown Russell.

This year’s grand marshals are Ruth and John Lynd.

The Coal Grove Christmas Parade is 6 p.m. on Dec. 9. The Coal Grove Betterment Club sponsors it.

The parade route is from the Coal Grove fire station to Paul Porter Park, where cookies and hot cocoa will be served.