With the changing of the seasons, many people begin thinking of Christmas. However, some people have been thinking of Christmas for months now. The Portsmouth Area Jaycees have already made plans for their 2025 Portsmouth Christmas Parade. Portsmouth Area Jaycees President Gary Jenkins has been working for awhile toward the kickoff of this year’s festivities scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 4, at 5 p.m. in the Shawnee State University parking lot.
“The Jaycees, just like for the last couple of years, have unanimously decided to schedule the parade around the Friends of Portsmouth’s Christmas tree lighting,” stated Jenkins.
The parade itself will take a route around the streets of Portsmouth, spreading Christmas cheer as it goes along. “The route will start at Shawnee State University’s parking lot at 5 o’clock, and from there the parade will turn onto Gallia Street and continue through downtown Portsmouth,” Jenkins said. The event will reach at its end at the Valley Wholesale parking lot.
This isn’t something that the Jaycees take lightly. This year marks the 86th Jaycees Christmas Parade that has taken place in Portsmouth.
“People come from all over the region to watch this event,” Jenkins said. “It really is what kicks off the Christmas season for most people.”
The community has banded together to bring six marching bands from local schools, many local businesses, multiple political candidates and Santa himself to this year’s event. The parade itself is one of a kind.
“It’s the only parade in the county that is held after dark,” Jenkins said. “By doing that, it makes the Christmas lights and bright red sweaters stand out more than they usually do.”
The parade is also dedicated to Rick Morgan, who has been given the title of the Grand Marshal of the event.
“The Grand Marshal title is someone that has earned the respect and love of the community and deserves recognition of their achievements,” Jenkins said. “Rick Morgan is a pillar of our community, and it is the Jaycees’ greatest honor to dedicate such an event to him.”
The Jaycees will be releasing a more detailed dedication closer to the event.
Groups of all kinds may register to participate. For nonprofits, school groups and churches, registration is free. For businesses and other parade floats, the cost is $50. Registration funds will help pay the insurance fee and support the Shop with a Cop event that is put on by the Friends of Portsmouth Lodge 33 and the Portsmouth Police Department. To anyone wanting to register, Jenkins encourages them to visit the Portsmouth Area Jaycees social media page.
