ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Rainy weather did not dampen the Christmas spirit in St. Clairsville on Sunday as the city’s annual Christmas parade took place despite rain showers and some strong wind.

Parade watchers lined the streets in downtown St. Clairsville to watch the many floats, dance groups and marchers make their way through the city.

Before the parade started, St. Clairsville Area Chamber of Commerce Director Wendy Anderson said that she was excited for the parade to begin.

“It’s a great parade,” she said.

She said the parade had a good turnout with many local organizations participating.

Peggy Riccadonna, ambassador for the St. Clairsville Area Chamber of Commerce and owner of The Snotty Pooch Stylish Pet Boutique, said that the parade is always “so much fun” for the community.

For the first time, WVU Medicine served as the title sponsor for the parade.

Darol Dickenson of Dickinson Cattle Company in Barnesville was the parade’s grand marshal. Dickinson, 81, has been in the area since 1993, raising all-natural local beef cattle and selling registered cattle all over the world. He said that he was honored to be chosen to be the grand marshal.

A St. Clairsville police car and an American Legion Post 159 float led the parade. Mayor Kathryn Thalman also rode in the parade with her dog, Sammy.

Warden David Gray of Belmont Correctional Institution brought his dog, Bandit, to ride with him in the parade. He said Bandit stands up and looks out the window every year for the entire parade.

The parade ended with Santa Claus riding on a Cumberland Trail fire engine.

Calvary Presbyterian Church, located along the parade route, hosted a diaper drive during the parade. The church also served free hot chocolate and popcorn during the parade, and parade watchers were lined up for the free concessions.

Video clips of the parade can be viewed on the St. Clairsville Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.