By SHELLEY TERRY - Staff Writer - sterry@starbeacon.com
By SHELLEY TERRY
Staff Writer
sterry@starbeacon.com
ASHTABULA — It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and it starts Friday, with the city’s annual Christmas parade.
The parade kicks off at 7 p.m. on Main Avenue, led by Capt. Gerald Cornelius on the Ashtabula Police Department’s Harley -Davidson motorcycle.
“The parade is going fine — the city put up the Christmas decorations,” said Fran Hanselman, organizer. “All we ask is for people not to park on Main Avenue, from West 44th to West 48th Street, after 6 p.m.”
Following the police captain will be police cars, city and township fire trucks, the Lakeside High School Marching Band, more than 50 holiday floats, area schoolchildren, big rigs, dancing groups, baton twirlers, Girl Scouts, and of course, Santa Claus, organizers said.
“It’s going to be a good parade,” said Jim Timonere, president of the Ashtabula Area Chamber of Commerce, noting lots of folks have stopped by the chamber office, asking about the parade.
It appears Mother Nature may shine on the parade, as the National Weather Service predicts partly sunny skies and a high of 52 degrees on Friday.
Dog lovers won’t be disappointed either.
The Ashtabula Kennel Club plans to lead its dachshunds for what it affectionately calls, “Walking in a Wiener Wonderland.”
During all of the festivities, the Ashtabula Senior Center will host a Sizzling Snowflake Special, designed for anyone attending the parade. Starting at 3 p.m., parade-goers are invited to the Senior Center, 4632 Main Ave., for Chicago hot dogs, chili dogs, sauerkraut dogs, potato chips, hot chocolate, coffee and tea.
Fun and fellowship will continue until 8 p.m., said Judy Witt, Senior Center program director. There also will be a bake sale and raffle tickets.
