River Cities communities set holiday festivities

— The Village of Racine invites residents and visitors to attend Christmas in Star Mill Park, Saturday, Nov. 25. The parade begins at 7 p.m. at Southern Local School and finishes at Star Mill Park, where hot chocolate, cookies, holiday music, decorations, and a community spirit awaits.

Santa, who will be onstage at the Park for a photo op, will also be taking Christmas requests. Memorial trees will again grace the walking path in front of the park, and a replica of Racine Village at the entrance welcomes visitors.

For information on sponsoring a Memorial Tree, contact the Racine Village by stopping by the offices at 719 5th Street or by calling (740) 949-2296.

— The annual “Christmas Along the River” parade in Pomeroy is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 26 at 2 p.m.

The parade will begin at the Youth League Baseball Ball Fields and proceed down Main Street, turn onto Butternut Ave., then onto Second St. where it will disband.

Join Santa at O’Brien Park following the parade to tell him your Christmas wishes and pose for a photo before he leaves for the North Pole.

Pomeroy merchants will be open from Noon-4 p.m., and visitors are invited to browse before or after the parade.

Lineup for the parade is at the Youth League Baseball Ball Fields at 1 p.m., and organizers invite everyone to join the parade with floats, bicycles, walking groups, first responder units, and other festive vehicles.

For more information about the event or to register for the parade, contact Tony Dingiss at 740-591-2260.

— The tree is lit and preparations have been completed, as Village of Rio Grande invites everyone to welcome in the holiday season on Thursday, Nov. 30 from 6-8 p.m. with fireworks, Santa, music, refreshments, and a Holiday Market.

Bring the kids to see Santa, listen to the very talented Gallia Academy High School Madrigals, and take a carriage ride through the village while sipping hot chocolate and nibbling cookies, and visit the Christmas Market in the Ohio Valley Bank parking lot across from the Tree.

Warning: It has been reported that the Grinch plans to be lurking nearby.

— Nothing says the holidays like the Gallipolis Christmas Parade, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 2, at 1 p.m. The Gallia County Convention and Visitors Bureau invites you to join them in celebrating the season and to enjoy family-friendly floats and performances as the parade makes its way down 2nd Avenue to the City Park.

The streets were lined with spectators for last year’s parade that hosted over 70 entries that included Gallipolis in Lights and other royalty, marching bands, cheerleaders, sports teams, first responders, museums and local organizations, and organizers expect no less for 2023. The Gallipolis Railroad Freight Station Museum has been selected to lead the parade, and Santa will bring up the rear.

Register is required by Nov. 27, and there is no fee. To register, go to: https://visitgallia.com/2023-gallipolis-christmas-parade/.

— Plans are underway for a Christmas celebration in the Village of Middleport on Saturday, Dec. 2.

Beginning at 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., shop the Craft Show at the Riverbend Arts Council, followed by Pictures with Santa.

Parade lineup is at 4 p.m. at the former Dairy Queen, and the parade begins 4:30 p.m.. From there it will proceed down North Second Avenue to Main Street, ending at Dave Diles Park.

This year the parade will be highlighting children’s groups, and prizes will be awarded to the first and second place children’s units. The parade is not limited to children, adults are also encouraged and welcome to participate.

Following the parade, stay in the park for the announcement of winners and music by the Meigs County Community Band at 5 p.m. A candle lighting ceremony will follow the bands performance.

For information on the parade, contact Mary Wise by calling 740-992-2675. To register for the Craft Show, contact Wendy Miller by calling 740-416-4015.