(Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Downtown Parkersburg will soon be glowing with holiday spirit as Downtown PKB hosts its annual Winterfest celebration from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Bicentennial Park.

The community-favorite event offers festive kid activities, live performances and fireworks designed to kick off the holiday season.

Prior to the beginning of Winterfest, the annual Christmas parade will make its way through downtown beginning at 2 p.m. Each year, families line Market Street to watch the parade usher in the holiday season, and this year promises the same blend of small-town charm and big holiday energy. For information on the parade, go to the Greater Parkersburg CVB website.

Following the parade at 4:30 p.m., Market Street will transition into a hub of holiday activity as Winterfest gets underway. There will be several kid-friendly activities; including train rides, visits with Santa, face painting, writing letters to Santa and a story with Mrs. Claus. Downtown businesses will also be set up at Bicentennial Park during Winterfest providing a STEM activity (Discovery World), holiday activity and book sale (First Chapter Bookstore), holiday activity (Parkersburg Art Center) and cookies and hot chocolate (City of Parkersburg).

Some downtown restaurants and retailers will join the celebration, giving you the opportunity to visit them before, during or after Winterfest. We encourage you to stroll through downtown, discover new favorites and support local businesses. For a list of open businesses and their hours, go to the Winterfest event page on our website.

Live performances from local youth groups are scheduled throughout the event. Their seasonal selections and lively performances add to the joyful atmosphere that makes Winterfest one of the most anticipated events of the year. Festive performances will be given by MOV Dance, Southern Belles, YoYo Elite Baton, PACE and Phoenix Twirlers.

The night’s most memorable moment is the annual lighting of the downtown Christmas tree near Bicentennial Park. Families gather for the countdown as downtown’s holiday tree illuminates the area for the first time of the season. The ceremony typically includes remarks from community leaders and special guests and serves as a heartfelt opener to the holiday season in Parkersburg. Following the tree lighting there will be fireworks sponsored by Chemours, Downtown PKB and an anonymous donor.

Winterfest is made possible through the support of generous event sponsors – including title sponsor WVU Medicine Camden Clark and CAS Cable, One Community Federal Credit Union, Bob and Annette Fehrenbacher, WesBanco, United Bank, The Basement Doctor and Atkinson Bonding, whose contributions help bring this beloved event to life. Their commitment to local events and downtown revitalization plays a vital role in creating memorable experiences for residents and families throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley.

As Downtown PKB continues its mission to support downtown businesses and strengthen the vibrancy of the downtown district, Winterfest remains a shining example of what community partnership can achieve. From the parade and activities to shopping, dining, tree lighting and fireworks, the event showcases the very best of Parkersburg during the holiday season.

Full event details are available at downtownpkb.com/winterfest.

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Jessica Strickler is the events and marketing manager for Downtown PKB.