The Parkersburg Homecoming committee, represented by President Bob Mercer, right, and Vice President Chuck Lipps, left, in July recognized Blennerhassett Hotel co-owners Lee Rector, second from left, and Wayne Waldeck with the George Kellenberger Spirit of Homecoming and Volunteer of the Year awards, respectively. Rector and Waldeck will serve as grand marshals for Saturday’s parade. (File Photo)

PARKERSBURG — Wayne Waldeck and Lee Rector will serve as the grand marshals for the 2025 Parkersburg Homecoming Parade on Saturday.

The theme for this year’s parade is “Fun in the Sun.”

In addition to leading the parade, Waldeck and Rector, who co-own the Blennerhassett Hotel, were recently recognized by the Homecoming board. Waldeck received the George Kellenberger Spirit of Homecoming Award, while Rector is the recipient of the Volunteer of the Year accolade.

“I cannot think of two more deserving people than Lee and Wayne,” said Homecoming President Bob Mercer said.

The awards celebrate their significant contributions to Homecoming, downtown Parkersburg and to the entire Mid-Ohio Valley community, according to a release from the Homecoming board.

Band Director Dan White, left, and the Parkersburg High School Big Red Marching Band make their way down Market Street during the 2024 Parkersburg Homecoming Parade. (File Photo)

The parade will make its way downtown from Market Street from 13th Street beginning at 12:30 p.m. Saturday.

Members of the Parkersburg South High School Marching Band head down Market Street during the 2024 Parkersburg Homecoming Parade. (File Photo)

A group of kids line up along Market Street in anticipation of thrown candy during the 2024 Parkersburg Homecoming Parade. (File Photo)