By Liz Beavers
lbeavers@newstribune.info
Tribune Managing Editor

KEYSER – Over 40 units are scheduled to participate in this year’s Keyser Christmas parade, scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday in downtown Keyser.
Star of the show, of course, will be Santa Claus, who will make his grand entrance into Keyser at the conclusion of the traditional kickoff to the season.
According to Parade Chairman Cindy Pyles, units are being asked to begin lining up in South Keyser at 6 p.m.
The parade will take the traditional route; moving north on Main Street and turning left onto Armstrong Street, disbanding in the vicinity of the Keyser Square Mall.
Participants are being asked to not throw candy or other items from their floats and/or vehicles. Instead, candy and treats will be thrown by Santa’s elves at the end of the parade.
Anyone wishing to donate candy to the elves may drop it off at Main Street Books any time prior to the parade.
The lineup is as follows:
Lincoln Street: Keyser Presbyterian Church, Cub Scout Pack 27, Tri-Towns Fire and EMS, First Baptist Church.
Cross Street: Keyser Police Department, Keyser City Council, American Legion, Girl Scouts, McCoole Volunteer Fire Department.
Maryland Street: Hospice of Potomac Valley Hospital, Holiday Hair, VIP Limo Company, Mt. Zion Church, Fire Science Fire Truck, Daisy’s Dance Studio, Keyser EMS, Mark Whittacre, Sunnyside 4-H Club.
Chestnut Street: East Point Ballet, Mineral County Historical Society,
 Ali Ghan Shrine Club, Grace United Methodist Church, Elk District Volunteer Fire Company, Sen. Bob Williams, Keyser  Mini-Tornadoes, Dance Reflections.
Virginia Street: Del. Bob Schadler, Del. Allen Evans, Christian Motorcycle Group, Cub Scout Pack 35, Agricolae 4-H Club, Pony Express, Victory Independent Baptist, Frosty and Friends float.
Ward Avenue: Rees Chapel United Methodist Church, Mineral County Relay for Life, Burlington Volunteer Fire Department, Skip’s Honda, Georges Creek Cruisers, Sunnyside Church of the Brethren, FFA float, Valley Medical, Fountain Volunteer Fire Department.
Newton Street: Any organization not listed or which entered the parade late is asked to fall in line here.
End of Main Street: Keyser Volunteer Fire Department, Keyser High School football team, Keyser High School Band, Santa and his elves.
The Skills Club at the Mineral County Technical Center will be selling hot chocolate along the parade route and Linda’s Hallmark and Martin’s Foods will be providing hot chocolate and cookies at the end of the parade.