(Photo by Evan Bevins) A Mel’s Diamond House float makes its way down Grand Central Avenue Saturday during the Vienna Holly Days Christmas Parade.

PARKERSBURG — People gathered in sunny but cold weather along Grand Central Avenue in Vienna and Market Street in Parkersburg Saturday for a Christmas parade doubleheader.

The festivities kicked off Saturday morning with the annual Vienna Holly Days Christmas Parade. Numerous individual, group and business entries joined in the procession from 47th to 23rd Street.

“Our favorite thing’s the bands,” said Parkersburg resident Melissa Sheppard, as she watched with her son Lucas and mother-in-law Ellen Barber. “Of course, I think he (Lucas) likes the candy.”

Sheppard’s canine companion, Bosco, appeared to appreciate the dog treats tossed by some participants in addition to candy.

That was part of the appeal for 2-year-old Belpre resident Tomas Laredo, said his father, Juan Laredo of Belpre. It was Tomas’ first parade.

“He’s enjoying it, especially all the sirens, the music,” his dad said. “He loves the fact that there’s candy.”

Parkersburg resident Mike Leasure was wearing camouflage despite staying out of the woods. He said his daughter is too old to enjoy the parades these days, so he goes with his 10-year-old niece, Natalia Spaur.

“Instead of going hunting today, I take the day off to take her to the parade,” Leasure said.

After the Vienna event wrapped up, they planned to head to Parkersburg, he said.

More than 130 units were in the Parkersburg Christmas Parade, whose start was delayed by about 20 minutes due to a medical emergency, Parkersburg Police Chief Matthew Board said.

Bill Trippett was taking the event in with his adopted grandsons, Ivelor, William and Legend. He said he was enjoying “being a kid all over again with them.”

Ivelor listed candy as his favorite, while Legend was fond of the police cars.

Parkersburg resident Abrielle Farney was watching with her stepdaughters, Berkeley and Kinley. She said they usually only come to the parade but planned this year to join in the events of Downtown PKB’s Winterfest, including a tree lighting and fireworks.

“I like that they’re doing more of the town involvement,” Farney said.

Parkersburg Christmas Parade award winners

Commercial

* First place: Parkersburg Catholic

* Second place: Legacy Academy and Kidz World

* Third place: Belpre Christmas Lights

Non-commercial

* First place: (tie) Jimmie Harper Construction and Recovery Point

* Second place: Olivia and Friends Childcare

and Development Center

* Third place: (tie) Gift Gallery and Hope Gas