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Christmas Parade set for Elkins

ELKINS — The streets of downtown Elkins will once again be filled with holiday cheer when the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber’s “Jingle All the Way” Christmas Parade marches up Davis Avenue on Friday beginning at 6 p.m.

The celebration will begin at the 11th Street intersection of Davis Avenue, and will be led by Santa and Mrs. Claus along with several VIPs, officials said. The parade route will continue past Elkins City Hall before concluding.

“It is wonderful that the annual Christmas Parade is returning to the streets of downtown Elkins this winter,” Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco said. “Unfortunately COVID took it away from all of us last year, so to say we are very excited to have it back is an understatement.

“It is something the children of Elkins really enjoy and we are happy that it will again be a part of their Christmas in 2021.”

Those planning on watching the action are asked to spread throughout the parade route and to stay in family groupings. This will help combat any spreading on COVID-19. There will also be no activities following the parade at the Elkins YMCA due safety concerns.

Any groups or organizations that would like to register for the parade can still do so by contacting the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce, who is hosting the event, at 304-636-2717 or erccc.com.

Marco said that because of a previous commitment, he will not be able to attend this year’s parade, but noted he is encouraging all of the city’s council members to join in the celebration.

The 2021 Christmas Parade is being sponsored by the City of Elkins, the Randolph County Commission, Jodie Parrack State Farm and Citizens Bank of West Virginia.

For the second-straight year the chamber will also be holding its Christmas Lights Display Contest. The idea came to light last winter when events like the Christmas Parade were canceled due to COVID-19.

Due to popular response last year, the chamber decided to bring the contest back for another go around in 2021. Officials are hopeful it will continue to be an annual event for years to come in Randolph County

The Christmas Lights Display Contest will begin on Friday and will run through Dec. 19. The contest will be divided into two categories, business and residents, with cash prizes totaling $7,000.

Cash prizes are $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and $500 for third place. There will also be non-cash merit awards for both businesses and residences.

The Randolph County Commission, Master Service Corporation, Elkins Main Street and Valentine Personal Care Home are the sponsors for this year’s lights contest. Businesses and residences can register to be a part of the Light Display Map and participate in the contest by visiting erccc.com or contacting the Chamber.

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