Nov. 23—ASHTABULA — Despite the cold and rainy weather, residents flocked to Main Avenue for the city’s annual Christmas parade Friday night.
Main Avenue’s storefronts were adorned with tinsel and lights.
Parade coordinator Suzy Kist said even though five groups dropped out, the parade must go on.
“Miss Grapette pageant girls [were] going to be there, and the Emerald City Twirlers are still going to be there,” she said. “I have the hearty still going to be in the parade.”
The street buzzed with excitement as children were thrown candy from the floats and Christmas characters.
Ashtabula resident Carla Stahle said the parade has become a tradition, bringing her granddaughter and her puppy every year.
“She loves it, the candy, the floats, the school bands, Santa Claus at the end,” she said. “It’s usually not raining, but we’re prepared. We’re ready to have a good time.”
Conneaut resident Crystal Ayala said it’s been a few years since she’s been to the Christmas parade in Ashtabula.
“I like seeing the different floats,” she said. “I like Christmas, so all of the Christmas lights. It’s pretty cold and nasty out, but that’s northeast Ohio. They’ve done a lot with downtown lately. It looks really nice with the lights, decorations and new stores. I’m glad that it’s coming to life again.”
North Kingsville resident Sally Lemmon said she was born and raised in Ashtabula, and the parade brings back childhood memories.
“When I was a little girl, we lived over by Chestnut Elementary,” she said. “My grandma used to walk us up here. We’d go in front of Carlisle’s and stand. Santa would come by and he’d get off the float and sit in the window by Carlisle’s. The kids would go sit on his lap. It’s a childhood memory. I love coming to the parade.”
The Kiwanis Club roasted chestnuts for attendees.
“The roasting is going splendidly,” Kiwanis club member Ralph Bacon said. “We have guest roasters, Chris DiGiacomo and his wife, Jane. This is our third batch we’re roasting tonight. We’ll see how much we go through when the crowds do arrive.”
The theme for the parade was the Grinch.
Ashtabula Downtown Development Association Board Member Marty Cephas said the Christmas tree lighting ceremony was very damp.
“But it was really nice,” she said. “People did come out. We had seven tree sponsors. We look forward to people coming to the park, enjoying the trees and voting for their favorite tree. That is the point. There’s a ballot box there, with ballots and we replenish them. People’s choice goes until Dec. 9. Make sure you get down and vote.”
Next year’s theme is American Traditional Christmas.
“In 2026, America turns 250 years old,” Kist said. “We are going to be the kickoff for the Ashtabula County’s celebration of the 250th celebration for America.”
