Jack Hensberger, 3, of Zelienople and his father, John, wave as parade participants pass by Saturday along Main Street during the annual Zelienople Christmas Parade.

ZELIENOPLE — The chilly drizzle Saturday morning was not enough to dampen the spirits of those lining Main Street to watch the annual Zelienople Christmas Parade.

The Seneca Valley High School marching band, a honking fire truck from the Zelienople Volunteer Fire Department, candy-tossing elves on quads, students from a dance school, a concrete truck that will donate a portion of its proceeds to cancer research, a Girl Scout troop and others were preceded down Main Street by Santa Claus.

The Jolly Old Elf waved to excited tots from his sleigh, which was pulled by a pair of miniature horses.

Santa then seated himself at the Santa House on the corner of Main Street and Grandview Avenue, where he welcomed children to share their Christmas wishes.

Erik Solinger of Brighton Township, Beaver County, said his wife attended the borough's Christmas parades when she grew up in Zelienople. The couple has been coming to the event since they started their own family seven years ago.

“In our family, Christmas time does not start until you come to the Zelienople parade,” Solinger said. “It's a tradition.”

Evelyn Solinger, 5, planned to ask Santa to deposit a Barbie Dream House under her family's tree.

Her sister, Abigail Solinger, 7, hopes to get a Zoomer Kitty. Abigail spent her time before the parade at the petting zoo set up near the Santa House.

“I like the cheerleaders and the marching band,” she said of the parade.

Sue Glasgow of Pittsburgh had a good vantage point along Main Street, where businesses dressed up their windows in cheery holiday themes.

Glasgow has traveled north to see the Zelienople Christmas Parade for 10 years.

“This is nice and warm and friendly, and it doesn't go on forever,” she said of the event. “I like this parade, and I like this town.”

Glasgow also planned to participate in Small Business Saturday after the parade by doing some shopping in the borough.

“I like to come here,” she said. “I like the stores.

Suzy Duer of Zelienople has been attending the parade since she moved to the borough 15 years ago.

“It's the start of a holiday season,” she said. “It's a tradition.”

Her son, Michael Duer, 12, held an umbrella to avoid the misty drizzle as the parade began. He said the parade is a crucial part of his hometown's charm.

“It's important because little towns should be able to celebrate (with a parade), not just the big ones,” he said.

Jaslynn Price, 7, of Cranberry Township attended the parade for the first time. Jaslynn planned to ask Santa for a Little Live Pet for Christmas.

“I want a dog, but I can't have one,” she said.