SIDNEY — The streets of downtown Sidney will be aglow with the Winter Wonderland Parade of Lights Friday, Nov. 17. The grand marshal for the parade is LeRoy Beard.
Beard is a native resident of Sidney, and a 1966 graduate of Sidney High School. He is a member of the Shelby County Historical Society, and has complied extensive research over the years of all things Sidney.
Beard continues his research of all things Sidney today, and regularly posts his Sidney research on the Facebook page “You Know You’re From Sidney, Ohio IF…”
He said his most popular area of research with other community members includes that of the Big Four Bridge as well as historic downtown fire emergencies. Beard also enjoys researching the city during the early 1900’s. He said it is fascinating to see all the buildings with their architectural details of the time.
Beard continues to be amazed at the craftsmanship of many historic Sidney buildings, all completed without the use of the heavy machinery used today.
The Reason for the Season Lighting Ceremony will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The parade will step off at 7:30 p.m. sharp, said Amy Breinich, Sidney Alive director.
Candy is permitted to be handed out along the sidewalk. Spectators are not permitted in the street and must remain on the sidewalk.
“We want to continue having a safe, fun environment for everyone involved,” said Breinich.
Hot chocolate and cookies will be available from First Baptist Church prior to the start of the parade. Cumberland Kettle Corn will have their popcorn available for purchase on the corner of Ohio and Poplar. After the parade, Berkshire Hathaway Professional Home Services will also be handing out hot chocolate and “a kiss from Santa” at their office, located on Poplar Street (across from the Courthouse).
Parade participants include Sidney Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Sidney-Shelby County Dairy Princess, Sidney First Church of the Nazarene, Shoe Sensation, Anna High School Marching Band, Shelby County Veterans Service Commission, FISH of Shelby County, Marty and Friends Pony Parade Co., Girl Scouts of Shelby County, New Covenant Church, Cargill, Re: Vive, Connection Point Church, Greve Drywall and Painting, SCARF, Shelby County United Way, Jackson Center Tiger Marching Band, Sidney Dance Company, NKTelco, Anna Rescue, Sidney-Shelby County Crimestoppers. Ohio Department of Transportation snow plows, Wreckers towing and Transport, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Sidney High School Alumni Band, Helman Brothers Body Shop, Shelby County Historical Society, Fairlawn choirs, Fairlawn Band, Shelby County Libraries, Miami County Horsemen, Shelby County DARE, Shelby County Board of DD, Boy Scout Troop 301, Tactical Solutions, Port Jefferson Fire Company, Tribe Motorcycle Club, Fricker’s of Sidney, Cub Scout Pack 124, Emerson Climate, Lehman High School Marching Band, Corvette Troy, Night Train Party Bus, Cub Scout Pack 97, Spherion Staffing Services, IUTIS, Universal One Credit Union, HER Realtors, Shelby County Antique Tractor Association, Shelby County Engineer’s Office, Sidney High School Marching Band, Santa Claus and Sidney Fire Department.
Parade sponsors are the city of Sidney, Emerson Climate Technologies, Wilson Health, Sidney Body CarStar, Sidney Visitors Bureau, Dave Ross, S & S Management Inc., The Floor Store, Eilerman Insurance Agency, Vance and Linda Stewart, Creative Marketing Strategies, McCrate & DeLaet, Buckeye Ford Lincoln, Air Handling Equipment Inc., NKTelco, Escape to Panache, Linda Meininger, Craig and Lisa Albers, and Amy Zorn.
The parade will be held, rain, snow, or moon-shine. If the weather is not safe, organizers will have to cancel it. There is not a rain date, said Breinich as there are too many moving parts to try to reschedule it with the holidays.
