Full-scale MOV Easter Parade returns April 9 | News, Sports, Jobs

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The 12th annual Mid-Ohio Valley Easter Parade will be April 9 at 2 p.m. in downtown Parkersburg.

From staff reports

PARKERSBURG — “Easter in July” is coming up soon as preparations are underway for the 12th annual Mid-Ohio Valley Easter Parade.

The parade will be the first full-scale event since 2019. Last year, it was a reverse parade format and it was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19.

“We are extremely thrilled that this year’s parade is back to normal,” Kiki Angelos, parade founder, said. “Our goal is to have a large number of entries and the streets lined with people from Market and 13th streets all the way to the courthouse.”

The Blennerhassett Hotel will host an Easter Bonnet Contest and participants will be part of the parade.

Four bands are set to perform in the parade: Parkersburg High School, Parkersburg South High School, Marietta High School and the Fife and Drum Band.

This year’s parade marshal is the Jan Dils Golden Apple Award recipient “for their dedication to our area schools and children,” Angelos said.

Before the event, Chick-Fil-A will host a free breakfast for children and parents at the location on Grand Central Avenue near Home Depot.

Float applications are available at Chick-Fil-A on Grand Central Avenue, at Auntie Ann’s Pretzels inside Grand Central Mall or on the Mid -Ohio Valley Easter Parade Facebook page. Applications will be accepted until the day of the parade.

“We encourage and invite all groups, churches, schools, businesses, politicians, horses, dogs, drill teams, bands and various organizations to take part and bring joy and excitement to our Mid-Ohio Valley,” Angelos said.

Commercial and non-commercial floats will be judged in separate categories, with first, second and third place plaques awarded.

The parade will be April 9 at 2 p.m., rain or shine. Float registration will be at noon at the corner of 19th and Market streets.

More information can be found on the Facebook page or by calling (304) 863-6516 or (304) 481-1816.