Update: 3:45 p.m. Saturday

Once again, the Parkersburg Homecoming Parade entertained handfuls spectators.

Thousands of people lined Market Street to take part in the parade by catching candy, waving, shouting and even sneaking a peek of some of their favorite WTAP and FOX Parkersburg personalities.

Parade go-ers say they are thrilled to see the parade grow with every passing year and keep coming back because they know it's fun the entire family can enjoy.
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Update: 6:30 p.m. Friday

An annual tradition in downtown Parkersburg is now officially underway.

The city's annual homecoming festival kicked off Friday evening with opening ceremonies and the lighting of the torch. Plus there was square and line dancing on Juliana Street and 50 food, arts, and crafts vendors lining Second Street and underneath the Juliana Street bridge.

At 8:30 p.m. Friday the new country band "Trailer Choir" is scheduled to perform on the stage off of Second and Avery Streets.

There's something for almost everyone in the family to enjoy.

The workers at Rubin's Deli started serving up made to order sandwiches, chips, and drinks Friday afternoon before the festivities officially kicked off.

"I like it, it's fun. You get to meet different kinds of people. You get to see the crowds, see the kids," said Marjana Edman of Rubin's Deli.

And some kids are excited to see the vendors.

"I like the freshly squeezed lemonade here and the corn dogs," said nine-year-old Bennett Hurley.

Who could forget another fun part for many kids- the rides- and this year you can combine a ride and a traditional treat.

"We got pony rides and as kids ride the ponies it turns the crank that makes homemade ice cream," said the festival's director, Randall Roberts.

In addition to the food, rides and entertainment this year there's also more arts and crafts vendors underneath the Juliana Street bridge.

One of those new vendors is Ashen 18 Tatoos and Trend Body Jewelry.

Sellers said proceeds from the jewelry sold will help benefit a family that's trying to rebuild their home after a devastating fire last month. The Catherine Hupp Fund at Peoples Bank has been set up to help.

"Basically we're trying to get back on our feet," said Randall Hupp of Ashen 18 Tatoos and also survived the fire.

The Colgate Country Showdown West Virginia State Finals began onstage at 6:30 p.m.

Plus if you're into cornhole there's a doubles tournament at 7:45 p.m. Friday behind the judicial building.

In addition Allison Rhea emceed the opening ceremonies and Saturday some on-air personalitiies from WTAP will be in the parade at 12 p.m.

Allison is hosting the talent show Saturday at 2 p.m. and Brenna Slavens is helping judge it.

The half marathon starts at 8 a.m. Saturday and there is plenty of more entertainment throughout the weekend.

For a complete list of events log on to our home page www.wtap.com and click on the hot button.

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Parkersburg Homecoming officially kicks off on Friday, but vendors were getting all set up for the crowds a day ahead of time.

Vendors were driving in for their prime assigned parking on 2nd Street in Parkersburg on Thursday evening.

Many were unloading and preparing for the weekend festivities.

Wendy Smith and Nicki Gohlmann from the Charleston area have been serving up barbecue for three years at the Parkersburg Homecoming and they said the early bird gets the worm.

"We got here a little bit early and got some things in the trailer and set up, and then we have to get in our spot and get ready, " said Wendy Smith.

Nicki Gohlmann agrees, "Get ready to sell."

To see the full lineup for homecoming just click on the hot button.