Santa waves to the hundreds of people lining Market Street in downtown Wheeling Friday evening at the Fantasy in Lights Parade.

WHEELING — Bundled in warm clothes and covered with blankets, hundreds of children sat with their families along Main and Market streets in downtown Wheeling Friday evening waiting to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus during the Main Street Bank Fantasy in Lights Parade.

Now in its 35th year, this is the first year Main Street Bank partnered with the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce to be the title sponsor. The parade featured 90 entries with more than 2,000 participants. Perkins Restaurant and Bakery had served as the title sponsor for the annual event for the previous 11 years. Main Bank President Rich Lucas said the bank is very proud to partner with the Wheeling Chamber to become the title sponsor.

Everything from local marching bands to dance academy participants joined dozens of colorful, glimmering floats which made their way along the parade route prior to the big arrival of Santa, who waved to the cheering children who lining the streets. Santa rode through on his personal float, ushered in by the Wheeling Park High School Marching Band.

New to the parade this year, all World War II veterans were recognized as grand marshals of the event, with 2019 being the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

Amanda McClements of Mingo Junction, who was sitting with her daughter and granddaughter, said they came to this year’s Fantasy in Lights Parade because her grandfather, 100-year-old Ernie Blatt, of Paden City, a World War II Navy veteran, was riding in the parade, as one of the veterans serving as grand marshals for the parade. She said her uncle Eddie, a Vietnam veteran, was also riding in the parade with veterans as well.

McClements said her family turned out to display their patriotism and show their support for all veterans being honored, in addition to watching all the colorful holiday floats and waiting for the arrival of Santa. Her eight-year-old Adrianna sat at her side, along with her granddaughter, who were waving small hand-held American Flags to show their support as the veterans rode by on a decorated bus.

Sitting along Market Street with her children, Elizabeth Atkinson of Barnsville, said it has become a tradition to take her children to the Wheeling and Barnsville Christmas parades every year. She said her children, Declan and Morgan, enjoy watching their cousin play in a local marching band each year, as well watching all the different dance schools pass by.

“They like to see all the lights — and mostly Santa at the end,” Atkinson said.