A Nemesis Shrine motorized unit is shown in parade formation Saturday at the Vienna Holly Days Christmas parade. (Photo by Jess Mancini)

VIENNA — Saturday’s annual Holly Days Christmas Parade in Vienna was the town’s largest, an organizer said.

The 2023 edition of the parade kicked off at 11 a.m. on a 24-block route on Grand Central Avenue between 47th and 23rd streets. Santa Claus and his wife, Mrs. Claus, appeared at the end of the show.

“We were extremely happy with the weather and the turnout for our 2023 parade,” said Linda Kern, event planner for the City of Vienna and the Senior Center director. “Our biggest turnout yet.”

More than 100 units from local businesses, clubs and organizations, numerous trucks, fire trucks, political candidates, motorcycle clubs and various pageant winners participated.

Float winners also were announced.

Williamstown High School was the lead marching band Saturday in the Vienna Holly Days Christmas parade. After marching in Parkersburg’s parade as well, the band headed to Wheeling where the football team won a back-to-back Single A football championship. (Photo by Jess Mancini)

In the commercial category, Mel’s Diamond House received first place, followed by Jimmie Harper Construction at second and Lowe’s in third.

Front Hill Farm received first place in the non-commercial competition. No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, were the Friends of Vienna and the Mid-Ohio Valley Jeep Club.

The next Vienna Christmas parade is tentatively scheduled for 11 a.m. Dec. 7, 2024.

Jess Mancini can be reached at jmancini@newsandsentinel.com.

Williamstown High School was the lead marching band Saturday in the Vienna Holly Days Christmas parade. After marching in Parkersburg’s parade as well, the band headed to Wheeling where the football team won a back-to-back Single A football championship. (Photo by Jess Mancini)

Children scramble Saturday morning for candy tossed from the Ohio Valley Buggy Club during the Vienna Holly Days Christmas parade. (Photo by Jess Mancini)

The Parkersburg High School marching band performs in Saturday’s Holly Days Christmas parade in Vienna. (Photo by Jess Mancini)

Old cars like this Dodge pickup were in the Vienna Holly Days Christmas parade on Saturday. (Photo by Jess Mancini)

Big trucks roared down Grand Central Avenue Saturday in the Vienna Holly Days Christmas parade. (Photo by Jess Mancini)

An antique fire truck is followed by a modern unit from the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department in Saturday’s Holly Days Christmas parade in Vienna. (Photo by Jess Mancini)

Elves rode horses Saturday at the Vienna Holly Days Christmas parade. (Photo by Jess Mancini)

The Mid-Ohio Valley Jeep Club received third place in the non-commercial float competition Saturday in the Vienna Holly Days Christmas Parade. (Photo by Jess Mancini)