Santa and Mrs. Claus wave to all the good boys and girls during the Sistersville Christmas parade.

The sights and sounds of the 2024 Christmas season kicked off in downtown Sistersville, Friday, December 6th with the Color Guard and Tyler County Silver Knights Marching Band leading the way.

A recent weeklong cold stretch of frigid weather made for evening viewing temperatures in the 20s, but many locals look forward to this annual community parade as their family tradition to start the holiday season with multiple generations jockeying on the sidewalks for the best viewing position.

The parade featured area churches with their youth riding on colorful floats adorned with seasonal décor along with a nice assortment of area Royalty bundled up trying to stay warm. Two new entries this year were the Tyler County Leo Club, sponsored by the Friendly Lions Club, along with the Sistersville City Crew driving a city truck that tossed candy to the delight of eager viewers. Also participating was the Middlebourne Scout Troop 175 and Girls and Boys Wrestling.

The folks lining the streets in anticipation of the arrival of Santa Claus and his bride to the city didn’t have long to wait. Kids and adults alike were not disappointed, because Santa always makes Sistersville one of his first stops of his busy season. As usual, the city’s fire trucks brought up the rear and oversaw getting Santa and Mrs. Claus through the town safely.

Following the parade Santa and Mrs. Claus met children at the Gaslight Theater, Gold Derek Gallery, for story time and treats. Entertainment was provided by the very talented Patrick Malone playing familiar Christmas carols on the piano. Luckily Santa was able to stay long enough to hear requests from those kids wanting to tell him their wishes for Christmas day before heading back to the North Pole.