Staff photo / R. Michael Semple ABOVE: The Warren G, Harding Raider Marching Band performs during the fifth annual Hometown Holidays parade Saturday evening as they march along Mahoning Avenue NW and Courthouse Square.

WARREN — Despite freezing temperatures and snowy weather, families bundled up to line Courthouse Square in downtown Warren on Saturday for the annual Hometown Holidays parade and tree lighting.

The event drew a crowd around the square, where some vendors set up in front of shops, including workers from 7 17 Credit Union handing out steaming cups of hot chocolate to ward off the chill. Activities throughout the afternoon included carriage rides, an ice sculpting demonstration, music from DJ Boogie Entertainment, and families could pose for photos with characters like the Grinch, Olaf and Bluey.

Before the parade, children 6 and younger got to explore an indoor Candy Land Lane at the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library, while others wrote letters to Santa at First Presbyterian Church or made ornaments at the Kinsman House. A children’s market and wrapping station operated at TriYounity, and the Brite Energy incubator hosted a holiday market with cookie decorating alongside Game Changers. Modern Methods Brewing Company hosted its own holiday night market.

The parade stepped off at 5 p.m. and featured floats judged for the first time in categories including best overall, most festive, best use of lights and judges’ choice. Some winners announced were the Shalom Church of God and Christ for best use of lights; the Warren Raiders Soccer Club won the judges award; and the best overall float went to Warren City Preschool.

Following the parade, Warren Mayor Doug Franklin addressed the crowd before the tree lighting near the gazebo.

“This might remind us of something we know deep down about our city of Warren, that no matter what we’ve been through, when it truly matters, we show up for one another,” Franklin said. “We come together tonight with hearts, smiling faces and a sense of hope that feels especially bright during this holiday season.”

He invited a 10-year-old girl from the crowd to help pull the lever that illuminated the tree in the square.

Franklin thanked organizers, including the Trumbull County Historical Society, the Fine Arts Council of Trumbull County, the planning committee, the Rotary Club of Warren for the lights, Diane Sauer Chevrolet for providing parade vehicles, the Northeastern Ohio Public Energy Council and city staff.

Trumbull County Historical Society Director Meghan Reed praised the collaboration among groups like the historical society, the library, the city and local nonprofits and businesses.

“TCHS is so thrilled to be part of Hometown Holidays,” Reed said. “It’s one of my favorite events every year, seeing so many people enjoying downtown Warren and utilizing so many of our wonderful amenities.”

The ceremony continued with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus at the log cabin, a performance by the Warren G. Harding High School Madrigals at the gazebo and Senior Showcase acts later in the evening. Admission to all activities was free.