Members of the Blennerhassett chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution prepare to sail down Market Street ahead of the Parkersburg Homecoming parade Saturday. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)

PARKERSBURG — Numerous floats, political candidates, festival royalty and community organizations participated in the annual Parkersburg Homecoming parade Saturday.

Participants gathered around the 1800 block of Market Street and then the route went down past Bicentennial Park.

Grand Marshall Chuck Lipps rode in his own vehicle. Lipps serves as Homecoming Board Vice President and was recognized last week with the George Kellenberger Volunteer of the Year Award for his contributions to the community.

Co-Marshall John Mike Nichols, Homecoming Board Member, also participated in a red Ohio Valley Jeep Club member’s SUV.

One organization was celebrating an historical anniversary. Chris Painter, registrar for the Blennerhassett chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution said December 2023 is the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party.

Batman, played by John Buckland of Huntington, poses with Jaci Cockerham, 6, of Belpre, while father Jason Cockerham takes their picture. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)

“We are a community service organization that emphasizes Patriotism, Education and Historic Preservation. This event was for historical preservation,” she said.

The DAR’s float was built in the style of a Revolutionary War Era ship with a fabric sail that said the Boston Tea Party. Painter credited two of their members, Mary Pfeifer and Darren Prouty, with the construction work.

“It’s been a pretty labor intensive process. They put it together at Mary’s house within three weeks,” Painter said.

Another participant was the 2023 West Virginia Interstate Fair Queen Jackie Cheuvront. She said she had participated in a parade once before but was looking forward to the Homecoming one.

“We participate in the Homecoming and Christmas parade every year,” Angie Zoller, member of the Interstate Fair Board of Directors said. “The people here are so friendly.”

Royalty from the 2022 Butcher Bend Autumn festival ride down Market Street in a fall themed float. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)

Music was also a prominent feature of the festivities as Parkersburg South High School marching band and color guard led off the parade, with appearances by Belpre High School, Warren High School, and Williamstown High School. Parkersburg High School brought up the end.

Nemesis Shrine Center, a Parkersburg chapter of a national fraternity, had motorcars that drove around in a circle around their main vehicle.

Kristen Hainkel can be reached at khainkel@newsandsentinel.com.

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Homecoming Parade Winners

Members of Thrill The World, local dancers who perform Michael Jackson’s Thriller for charity, perform as Ellodie Monday, 4, watches. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)

Non-Commercial

1: Blennerhassett Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution

2: WV State Honey Festival Queen

3: Butcher Bend Autumn Festival

Commercial

A Coplin Health staffer hands candy to Ellodie Monday, 4, of Parkersburg. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)

1: Coplin Health System

2: Richard Newhart Periodontist

3: Emerson Lanes

Parade Grand Marshall Chuck Lipps waves to the crowd during the Parkersburg Homecoming Parade. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)

Co-parade Marshall John Mike Nichols smiles at the crowd during the Parkersburg Homecoming Parade. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)