Martins Ferry Parade Brings In Crowd From Near, Far
Jennifer Compston-Strough Trending
MARTINS FERRY -- Parade-goers from near and far gathered along the Purple City's streets Friday evening to cheer on the annual Christmas parade.
Santa Claus waved from his accustomed spot atop a fire engine, and the nonprofit community organization Project Forward provided a reindeer in the holiday spirit. Project Forward will host its annual Winterfest from noon to 10 p.m. next weekend, Dec. 3, to continue bringing the holiday spirit to the city.
Martins Ferry Fire Department Chief Tom Kelly Jr. said slightly more floats and participants were expected than in prior years, with close to 100. In addition, an artificial ice skating rink and food vendors were featured along Hanover and Fifth streets near the gazebo.
"This was the first time. We wanted to try something different. We've got music all day," Kelly said. "I think it got a little bit bigger. It's nice weather right now."
The parade concluded with a tree lighting and fireworks.
Kelly thanked the area businesses that sponsored and participated in the event.
Many people who live close by watch the parade as a yearly tradition.
"We come here every year," Missy Rossano of Martins Ferry said, adding she was looking forward to the band and fire trucks.
"We bring the grandkids," husband Fred Rossano of Martins Ferry said. "I'm originally from western Pennsylvania, but I've been here for 25 years or so. ... We usually come every year and get the same spot."
Jonathan Rossano, a senior at Martins Ferry High School, said he and his friends would be cheering on a fellow student who would be appearing in the parade in an odd outfit, having lost a bet in a fantasy football game.
The Cole family members of Martins Ferry have attended parades for the last five years or so. They cheered on their son, Steven Cole, who is playing in the drum line of the band.
Jim Edwards of Martins Ferry, an MFHS graduate, has attended for more than 20 years and waved to Santa as he rode past.
"I've got my little nephew (Anthony McGhee, 7 years old) with me. This is his first Martins Ferry parade, but I was born and raised in Martins Ferry so just showing some support," Kortney Hilson-Pitts of Martins Ferry said. "I've got some family members in the parade, the band and St. Mary (Central School). Both of them are my cousins. ... I used to be in these while I was in high school in the dance line, and my daughter danced in the parades for a couple years."
"We've got a couple friends in the parade that we want to watch," Adele Stillion, a 2022 graduate of MFHS and band member, said. "Usually I'm in them, but this year I'm watching."
"We're just watching all the local fire trucks and watching the kids have fun," Teresa Porreca of Martins Ferry said, adding she and her family attend every year.
"I'm here every year, ever since I was a kid. I've lived here all my life," former firefighter Scott Meeker of Martins Ferry said, adding that he recalled riding in the parade. "I just bring the kids down so they can enjoy it."
"My daughter's in the parade. She's a cheerleader," Michael Briggs of Martins Ferry said, speaking of daughter Madison Briggs.
Others come from further away. The parade is a draw for Mandy Opic of Adena, who attends yearly.
"It's a great parade and lots to see, so we enjoy it," Opic said. "Just a good parade and nothing by us that's quite like it. ... Everybody who waves at us, we'll wave back."
"My niece is in the parade. She's with ... American Heritage (Girl Scout Troop)," Chris Hurley of Cary, North Carolina, said. "My wife's family's from Tiltonsville. ... I love (the parade), all the e-squads and all the first responders. I love seeing them out here in numbers."
Afterward, the Martins Ferry Lions Club enjoyed coffee and celebrated a successful showing.
"We had a float in the parade. We were one of the first," Lion Kayla Shreve said. "We're in it every year. We were in last year and this year got first place for non-commercial float. We just like to go out there and throw some candy and see our community and enjoy the holiday season."