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OPINIONS
Editorial: Holiday parades still drawing the crowds
In today's high-tech world, you might think something as old-school as community Christmas parades are fading away.
But thankfully, there is no app for that yet.
Thousands of people lined Carter and Winchester Avenues in Ashland last week for the 24th annual Winter Wonderland of Lights Christmas Parade, which kicks off the city's five-week festival of lights. Monday night, marching bands, fire trucks, dance troops and youth groups brought that special magic to downtown Ironton with the Lions Club's Christmas parade.
Thursday night, the Huntington Christmas Parade gets under way at 7 p.m., running along 4th Avenue, then down 8th Street to 3rd Avenue and Pullman Square. This 2012 parade features five bands and 120 units with a salute to veterans, including grand marshal and Medal of Honor recipient Hershel "Woody" Williams.
In keeping with the spirit of the season, organizers also invite parade watchers to bring jars of peanut butter for the Huntington Area Food Bank. Those are being collected at the Christmas tree in Pullman Square.
Parades also are scheduled in Hurricane on Saturday and Russell on Dec. 6.
Each of these events reflects a remarkable spirit of community that brings us together for the holiday season. From the local kids dressed as angels to our home-grown beauty queens, it is all about the smiles and memories.
Thanks to all the organizers, participants and sponsors for making these events possible.
