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MOUNDSVILLE - One of the largest crowds in recent years turned out Saturday afternoon for the annual Marshall County Chamber of Commerce Parade in Moundsville.

The hour-long parade started under sunny conditions which, midway through, became overcast. However, for those who lined the 10-block route, it was a "perfect" day for such an event.

Among those expressing pleasure with the weather were chamber executive director David Knuth, parade-goers and the food vendors as those coming to the downtown area were there long before the 2 p.m. start. In addition to food vendors, who represented organizations, schools and churches, there were groups renting chairs.

Sid Grisell, a lifelong resident of Moundsville, served as the parade marshal, while city government was represented by Mayor David Wood, and council members Ginger DeWitt and Gene Saunders.

In fact, for some they saw Saunders twice in the parade once representing council and again as he joined with members of the Marshall County Panthers Tackle Football team whose float was near the end of parade.

A float whose theme was "Buster Rings in Christmas" was chosen first among nine eligible for cash awards in the annual Marshall County Chamber of Commerce Parade which took place Saturday.

"Buster" who happens to be a miniature school bus, joined the largest crowd in recent years to witness the event comprised of 77 units.

The winning float was entered by the Marshall County Schools Bus Safety Team.

Second place in the non-profit category was the St. Francis Xavier School Football and Cheerleaders who float theme was, "Ringing In the Season of Faith."

Tied for third were floats entered by the Haymakers 4-H Club, whose theme was "Sleigh Bells Rings," and the Moundsville Ash Avenue Church of God float with a theme of, "Is God Calling You This Season?"

As usual, Santa was the main attraction, as he rode atop a Moundsville fire truck, accompanied by several youths.

The parade featured six bands, Moundsville Middle School, the Cameron Junior/Senior High, the Sherrard Middle School, Martins Ferry High School, Shadyside High School and the John Marshall High School.