With a lift from the city electric bucket truck, Columbiana municipal employee Colton Bower decorates the top of the city’s LED Christmas tree with bows and bulbs Friday morning on the southeast corner of the traffic circle in downtown Columbiana. The city will be holding its 24th annual Christmas parade and light up night on Nov. 22. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

COLUMBIANA — The city commemorates the holiday season this year with its 24th annual Christmas parade, the lighting of the city holiday tree and the 50th anniversary of the city charter.

Bridget Wolsonovich, Columbiana Area Chamber of Commerce, announced that festivities begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22.

“The highlight of the evening will be the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree by none other than the charter’s founding leaders Vylee Garstick and Philip Swope, who plays key roles in establishing the charter that shaped the city’s governance and growth,” explained Wolsonovich. “In commemoration of this historic anniversary, they will illuminate the tree, symbolizing decade of dedication to the community.”

“Mrs. Claus” (aka Jenny Weir) will serve as grand marshal for the Christmas parade. Known for her care of the Gingerbread House and her annual role in making sure that the Christmas tree shines bright, the director explained that she embodies the warmth and joy of the holiday season in Columbiana.

On Friday, she assisted two city employees erect and decorate the city’s tree for this year’s festivities.

“Her tireless efforts in preparing for the holiday season make her a beloved figure in the community,” Wolsonovich added.

After the tree lighting at the southeast corner of the town’s traffic circle, holiday revelers will await the 24th annual parade that will include festive floats, marching bands, local groups and businesses.

The parade lineup is at 4:30 p.m. at Joshua Dixon Elementary School (enter on Stanton) with the parade starting at 6 p.m. sharp, progressing down Main Street and concluding at Heartland Christian School.

Advance preregistration is available through a Google Doc link on the chamber’s parade event page on Facebook, or you can preregister the day of the event at 4:30 in person.

The event will be free and open to the public.

sujhelyi@mojonews.com