After months of preparation, elaborate floats and performances will parade through the streets of Wheeling on Friday for The Perkins Restaurant & Bakery Fantasy In Lights.

Chamber of Commerce President Terry Sterling said there are also plenty of ways to keep warm during the parade, and hopes the cold weather doesn’t deter visitors.

“We’ve had all different kinds of weather over the 14 years. One year it was in the 70s, and one year it was raining very bad and we’ve had weather like this before. People will do what they have to do to stay warm,” Sterling said.

Some people have taped blankets around the metal benches, while others recommended filling a thermos with a hot drink or using hand and foot warmers.

Rose Resseger, of Wheeling, waited in the cold all afternoon to make sure her family had a spot for the parade.

“I’ve got three layers of clothes on. I’m prepared,” Resseger said.

Sterling said vendors and restaurants will be open for those who want a snack or a hot drink to warm up.

Local residents and businesses put much effort into the annual parade to make it a memorable event.

Toni Zeakes’ dance troupe started planning their performance in July and has more than 60 girls taking part in the parade.

“This is our pride and joy. This gives us a chance to give back to Wheeling,” Zeakes said.

Participants from West Virginia Northern Community College spent two months with local carpenters building a 23-foot float for the parade. The float, representing a train engine, is in honor of the 100th anniversary of the B&O Building.

Organizers said drivers should allow themselves some extra time. Both Main and Market streets will be closed, and parts of 10th Street to 16th Street will also be shut down.

The parade will be aired live on WTOV9 and WTOV9.com starting at 6:30 p.m. Click Here For More.