Cadiz Holds First Ever ‘Reverse Parade’ to Welcome Holiday Season

CADIZ - Hundreds of local residents made their way through the village of Cadiz last weekend to get a glimpse of the village’s floats and festively decorated vehicles on display during its first ever "reverse parade."

The Cadiz Lighted Christmas Parade gave many local residents another reason to drive through the village Saturday evening. This year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the parade was “reversed” with the parade remaining stationary along Main Street while onlookers viewed it from the safety of their vehicles as they drove by.

Janet Fenstanmaker, office manager of the Harrison County Visitors Center, said the reverse parade was a success and gave many residents a chance to enjoy the festivities from a safe distance.

“It gave everyone a chance to get out and do something besides being stuck in the house. Santa was on the square, so I’m sure the kids enjoyed seeing Santa and all the lights,” she said.

Although there were only 12 participant floats and vehicles involved in this year’s parade, it was still a memorable event for those in attendance. Some of those who participated in the reverse parade included the visitors center, Scio and Cadiz fire departments, Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, the Cadiz Police Department, Marathon, Meadows of Cadiz assisted living facility, the Cadiz Lions Club, the Harrison County Cancer Crusaders and the Harrison County Republican Party.

Fenstanmaker said the visitor’s center handed out around 200 donated treat bags to children during the event, along with other parade participants who also passed out treats to those present.

“We had around 250 treat bags and we probably have maybe 50 left. We had a lot of people drive through to see the parade,” she said.

Unfortunately, due to many in quarantine, the Harrison Hills High School band and choir were unable to perform during the event. Instead the courthouse was decorated in lights while music played for all to enjoy as they drove through. Fenstanmaker said the courthouse’s light display and festive tunes will continue to play throughout the holiday season.

“We started that last year and we’ve added more (decorations) this year. Our hope is, each year, to keep adding something to it. … It’ll go until the first of the year and then we’ll unplug them,” she said.

Fenstanmaker said they are hoping to hold the annual parade again next year in its traditional form as opposed to the reverse-style parade.