Christmas parade hits downtown Ironton

The annual Ironton Lions Club Christmas parade took over downtown Ironton Monday evening, getting everyone ready for the Christmas holiday.

Residents lined the streets as the parade proceeded.

“I thought it went great,” Ironton Lions Club President Lou Pyles said. “We’re thankful it quit raining. It was a little misty, but you can’t have it perfect. A lot of people turned out, and I thought it was a good parade.”

Pyles said the Christmas parade was originally started and organized by the Ironton Business Association, but since 2003 belongs to the Ironton Lions Club.

Making up Division I of the parade were the Lions Club banners and flags, the VFW 8850 Color Guard, Ironton Fire Department, the Ironton High School Million Dollar Marching Band and cheerleaders, Ironton Middle School cheerleaders, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Mayor Rich Blankenship, WTCR Radio, WAMX Radio, WVBV Radio, WKEE Radio, IHeart Radio, Yvonne DeKay School of Dance, Wendy’s Restaurants, Carl Collins, Sanctuary of the Ohio Valley, COAD Foster Grandparent Program and the Ironton-Lawrence County Head Start.

Division II included WEMM Radio, M&M Inflatables, Therapy Dog “Beck” and Friends, Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital, Zumba in the Village Fitness, WLGC Radio, Cyndi’s Studio, Rock Hill High School cheerleaders, Resurrection Hope United Methodist Church and the El Hasa Shriners, of Ashland.

Division III of the parade was made up of Pump-Up-The-Fun Inflatables, OACWC Youth Clubs, Rock Hill Girl Scout Troop 982, Ironton Girl Scout Troops 985, 425 and 1271, Ironton Girl Scouts Daisy Troop 990, Dawson Bryant Girl Scout Troops 1296 and 2186, Green Acres Regional Center and Starlight Karaoke.

Division IV included Ohio University Southern, Lawrence County EMS, the volunteer fire departments of Upper Township, Elizabeth Township and Hamilton Township and Patriot Ambulance.

Another Ironton Lions Club banner, Santa Claus, SOARES Radio, Sontegate Stables and the Ironton Police Department rounded out the parade in the last division.

“I think everything turned out great,” Pyles said.

Three awards were given to float winners of the parade.

Claiming the Santa Claus Award was Therapy Dog “Beck” and Friends. Receiving the Snowflake Award was Resurrection Hope United Methodist Church for its nativity float and getting the Jingle Bell Award was the Green Acres Regional Center.