Bellefontaine is set to kick off the holiday season in festive style this Friday with the annual Downtown Bellefontaine Hometown Christmas Parade, sponsored by Citizens Federal Savings and Loan.
This year’s parade is one of the largest to date, featuring 74 parade entries making their way through downtown.
The parade will be televised live on PeakofOhioTV, featuring hosts April King and Nate Bope, who will provide a bird’s-eye view of the parade from above.
Meanwhile, Lou Vito will be on the ground, bringing viewers the sights, sounds, and excitement from street level along the parade route.
Before the parade steps off, families can enjoy free activities throughout downtown from 4 to 6 p.m., with event guides available at the Santa Shed.
Children and families can follow the holiday trail of activities, including:
- A free cookie at City Sweets & Creamery
- Light-up necklaces from Lori Newman, Realtor – Legacy Property Group – Key Realty
- Letters to Santa with the LoCo Kids Foundation in front of the courthouse
- Candy canes from Jessica Simmons with TCP Asset Management
- A snowflake craft at The Hanger Boutique
- Hot chocolate at Edward Jones – Financial Advisor Danielle Knerr
- Christmas crafts at Make Time
- Cookie decorating at Relax Nail Bar & Salon
- A chance to meet the beloved Christmas Highland Cows outside Citizens Federal until 5:15 p.m.
- Treats, music, and stories at First United Presbyterian Church
- And after the parade, a chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at The Photo Booth for pictures and holiday memories.
Visitors can also stop by Food Alley, located on East Columbus Avenue.
Featured vendors include:
- The Flying Pepper
- Freyhof’s Funnel Cakes
- R Smokehouse LLC
- Where There’s Smoke
- Hall’s Country Kettle Corn
- G’s Concessions
- The Pit Stop
- Smokin Bandits
The Hometown Christmas Parade will depart the fairgrounds at 6 p.m., travel into downtown, turn west onto Columbus Avenue, and end at Detroit Street.
Street closures are as follows:
- East Columbus from Main to Madriver closes at 1 p.m.
All additional parade route streets will close at 2 p.m.
- Main Street from Chillicothe to Watson Way
- West Columbus from Main to Detroit
- Court Avenue
- Opera Street
Residents are encouraged to come early, enjoy the pre-parade festivities, and line the streets for a festive and memorable evening in downtown Bellefontaine.
