Photo by Heather Cathcart-Norris The Warren Christmas Parade and Holiday Walk will bring its holiday charm and community events downtown on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. Pictured is the traditional Merry Christmas sign along the river downtown.

Downtown Warren will be abuzz with holiday sights and activities on Friday when the Christmas Parade and Holiday Walk will be held from 5 to 8 p.m.

In addition to the many excellent restaurants downtown, several other food vendors will be downtown, offering various options. Chief Cornplanter Council Boy Scout Troop 8 will have roasted chestnuts and popcorn in front of Warren Cycle Shop.

Warren Lions Club wagon will be at the corner by the Northern Regional College building on Second and Liberty Streets.

Dad’s will have handcrafted toasted sandwiches made with local, fresh ingredients. Mother Cluckers will offer chicken favorites, including wings, chicken sandwiches, and tenders, and Anthorp’s Concessions will offer comfort foods. Dad’s, Mother Cluckers’, and Anthorp’s food trucks will be set up throughout Liberty Street and Second Avenue. Bucket Brigade Pizza Co. will be selling slices near the Struthers Library Theatre.

The Crossing Cafe at 350 PA Ave West will hold a soup and pie fundraiser at 11 a.m. on Friday and run until 7 p.m. Pies, cookies, quickbreads, and desserts will also be available.

The Christmas Parade will be at 6 p.m. sharp. The route begins at Tops Plaza, taking Market Street to PA Avenue. The parade heads west on PA Avenue to the intersection of Hickory Street, where it turns right and disperses on 3rd Ave.

Groups of dancers and musicians, including the excellent Kazoo group, community organizations, and small businesses, will be marching in the parade, with a fantastic addition of the Zem Zem Shriners Calliope. The Calliope will also be located near McKissock after the parade for more musical enjoyment. Santa, his elves, and parade Grand Marshal Piper VanOrd will light the Christmas Tree near the end of the parade route.

Festivities continue after the parade with shows and experiences.

Warm up at Jefferson Defrees Family Center and be amazed by “The Magic Jamie Show” at 7 p.m.

The SLT Academy will perform its fifth annual holiday special at 7 p.m. on Friday at the Struthers Library Theatre. The unique show, “Holiday Special from Outer Space,” written by students, will be performed again on Saturday, December 7.

The Music Conservatory will also be holding a fun event post-parade; hand drumming will take place at its space at 220 PA Ave W, with leader Rich Schular.

Liberty Street and Second Ave will close at 3 p.m. to prepare for the festivities, and other main roads and intersections, including PA Ave between Market and Hickory, will close by 5 p.m.