Weirton decks out for July 4 parade

WEIRTON - The sights and sounds of America filled Weirton's Main Street Friday morning as the community celebrated Independence Day with its annual parade.

With a theme of "Independence Day - Red, White and Blue," hundreds lined the street, many of them getting there early to pick out a good spot to watch as local marching bands, floats, dance schools and cars made their way through town to observe the nation's birth and pay tribute to its military.

"We have about 69 entries," Parade coordinator Kevin Elias said.

RED, WHITE AND BLUE DAY Decked out in red, white and blue, Hancock County Savings Bank was represented Friday with a float ridden by employees and their families during Weirtons Independence Day parade. -- Craig Howell

The Lo-Fi Project from Wheeling was one of several bands during the Band Blast Friday at the Weirton Event Center. Sponsored by by Renaissance Weirton and also featuring the Semi-Supervillians and Led By Mercy, the bands were competing for $1,000 grand prize, with audience members casting votes for $1 per vote. Local band Legends later took the stage. -- Mark Miller

Local businesses, including Hancock County Savings Bank, First Choice America Community Federal Credit Union and Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort, entered professional-grade floats this year, many decked out in red, white and blue or featuring symbols related the the nation's history.

Dance schools performed routines to patriotic music while members of local veterans organizations made their way down Main Street.

One new feature in this year's parade was the inclusion of some local bands who were taking part in the Band Blast competition later in the day.

"We have all three bands that are performing," Elias said.

Led By Mercy, the Semi-Supervillains and the Lo-Fi Project all performed while riding in the back of pickup trucks going down Main Street.

Here is the original post:
Weirton decks out for July 4 parade