Gathering to celebrate
Sarah Calvert
Greene County Chamber of Commerce Executive Assistant
Over the years, Greene County Chamber of Commerce staff have held many events, but the largest gatherings of the year occur in the latter months — the first being the Annual Membership Banquet.
Member businesses and outstanding individuals from the community come together with their families to celebrate the chamber’s accomplishments throughout the year and honor impactful community members, businesses, and organizations with the notorious Distinguished Service Award and McCracken Legacy Award.
This year marked the 35th anniversary of the banquet, which took place at Valley View Farms on Nov. 15. Though the location and faces may change, the joy and acknowledgment of those shining stars in the community remains. The Distinguished Services award winners this year were Joe Ayersman, Waynesburg University President Doug Lee, Barb Wise and Debbie Wilson. The winner of the McCracken Legacy Award was Waynesburg Milling Company. The chamber wants to take a moment to thank every well-deserving award winner. Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do within our community.
Just a few short weeks after the banquet is the biggest bash in town: the annual Downtown Christmas parade! The chamber is proudly hosting this event for the 85th year! Even when the COVID-19 pandemic eliminated the option of marching down High Street, modifications were made, and a reverse parade still brought Santa into town at the Greene County Fairgrounds. In 2022, the parade joyfully returned to High Street, and Santa descended into downtown once more. The 2023 event hosted another full slate of entries, from floats and firetrucks to bands and beauty queens.
This year’s parade expenses are underwritten by West Penn Power, a First Energy company, and the chamber is grateful for their past support. Large amounts of staffing, ranging from volunteers to police, are essential to ensure everything runs smoothly and safely. The chamber is so very thankful for all the support from many agencies, businesses, and volunteers, some who have been working the parade for numerous years and happily return each year. For over 30 years, Waynesburg University has videotaped the parade and volunteered to do so once again this year. As
technology evolves, university students find new and exciting ways to cover the parade and share it with the community online. Through the coordination of the chamber, the borough and state police, Greene County Emergency Managemen and the County of Greene, we hope this tradition will continue for another 85 years.
As the winter months approach, we hope that the feeling of joy and celebration from gathering together is evident. Nothing beats the smiles of those in our community, whether from seeing the Grand Marshalls lead the way down High Street, Santa welcoming Christmas to town at the end of the parade, or seeing a long-lost face at our yearly banquet. You are never too old to feel the spirit and warmth of the Holidays and reflect it to those around you. As we prepare for next year and closing for the holiday season, we wish nothing but good tidings, great memories, and safe travels to each and every one of you.