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Fact Box

• More Christmas parades planned around the Ohio Valley:

Today

Moundsville, 2 p.m.

Friday

Martins Ferry, 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 29

Bellaire, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 5

Brilliant, 2:30 p.m.

Barnesville, 6 p.m.

New Martinsville, 6 p.m.

Dec. 6

Shadyside, 2 p.m.

WHEELING - The Pittsburgh Pirate Parrot joined the Wheeling Nailers' Spike, Ronald McDonald and other mascots Friday to help Santa Claus and Rudolph spread holiday cheer to those at the Perkins Restaurant and Bakery Fantasy in Lights Parade.

Jolly Old St. Nick brought unseasonably warm temperatures with him for his annual trek through downtown Wheeling, helping draw thousands of Ohio Valley residents out to see the lights, bands, horses and dancers of the parade.

Flushing residents Ashley Brown, Meganne Cope and Casey Smith camped out under the illuminated Capitol Theatre marquee. The Capitol is open for this holiday season after being closed for the past few years.

"It is so nice to see the Capitol open again on a night like this," Brown said. "I really enjoy this."

Cope and Smith said they arrived early to reserve a prime viewing area, such as that in front of the Capitol.

"We have been out here since 4:30 (p.m.) getting ready to see this fine Christmas parade," Cope noted.

The parade, presented by the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce, began at 20th and Market streets before traveling north to 10th Street. The route then turned left onto 10th Street by My Big Toy Store, before heading south onto Main Street by the Bridge Tavern and Grill. The route stopped at 21st and Main streets.

Bryan Crook of the Warwood section of Wheeling said his 3-year-old daughter Savannah Crook was eager to see St. Nick.

"She has been talking about it all day and just can't wait to see him," Bryan Crook said.

Wheeling resident Jill West watched the parade with her 16-month-old son, Landon Namack.

"My favorite part of the parade is watching 'Moon Dog,'" she said of Charles Waldrum, a well-known city resident who rode his bicycle in the parade.

Triadelphia Middle School students Jaclyn Schweizer and Breauna Jennison cheered on their school's marching band.

"We like all the bands, but especially Triadelphia's," Jennison said.

Wheeling resident Marquita Sayles especially enjoyed the dance teams, especially those from Laughlin Chapel.

"I like to see these little girls get out here and dance. It gives them something good to do with their time," she said.

Martins Ferry residents Jami Jozwiak and Rosa Delbrugge crossed the Ohio River to cheer on the Purple Rider Marching Band.

"I come every year. I like to see our band, but I like to see the horses, too," Jozwiak said.

"I really like the Toni Zeakes dancers," Delbrugge added.

Cindy Snider, also of Martins Ferry, said she attends the parade every year because of the atmosphere.

"Having the parade at night is neat because of the lights. ... Everything is just so beautiful," she said.