Philippi Prepares For Annual Covered Bridge Christmas Events

Philippi Mayor Phil Bowers and Philippi businessman Dennis Riccio placed three Philippi Village pieces on the Courthouse Square this past week in preparation for the 2023 A Covered Bridge Christmas celebration. The village pieces were refurbished by local volunteers Carl and Linda Swick.

Shown in the picture is the Philippi Village’s Philippi Presbyterian Church, Philippi’s 100 + year old church that greets visitors who enter the town via the Philippi Covered Bridge. Also on the Courthouse Square are the Philippi Village’s Covered Bridge and the Barbour County Historical Museum. Decorated memory Christmas trees will also light up the Square this year. For more information about the trees contact Linda Menear at 304-457-3481.

This year’s Christmas celebration kicks off with the annual Christmas Parade on Friday, December 1 at 7 p.m. Parade units are asked to preregister using the form available at www.coveredbridgechristmas.com. This form gives the parade announcers information about the unit to share with spectators along Main Street. After the parade, the community Christmas tree will be officially lit with Philip Barbour High School’s award-winning marching band providing music at the Gazebo. Mayor Phil Bowers is the contact for the parade, and he may be reached at 304-621-2985.

A new event has been added to the calendar for this year. A Christmas dance, the Covered Bridge Christmas Gala, will be on Saturday, December 2 at 17 North Event Center from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets may be purchased for the adults-over-18 only by contacting Phil Bowers at 304-621-2985 or Linda Swick at 303-476-2758 or Jodee Nelson at 17 North 304-621-3671. Music for the evening will be provided by Queen City Funk and Soul; hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and a cash bar are part of the ticket package.

The annual Christmas Concert will be Saturday afternoon, December 9 at 4 p.m. in the Philippi Baptist Church. While no admission is charged for this event, donations are accepted. A Christmas Choir made up of community singers along with church and community groups promise to share their love of music with the community in this popular holiday event. Local music man Jud Bracey is leading this event.

The beloved “Miracle on 34th Street” story will take center stage on Friday and Saturday, December 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. in the PBHS auditorium. Lewis Hall is directing the Christmas play and says to watch the local newspaper and the previously mentioned web page for information about ticket sales.

Thursday, December 21 will see the Christmas Stroll throughout downtown Philippi beginning at 6 p.m. and running until 9 p.m. Various musicians will be located in Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant, Lil Moe’s, 17 North Event Center, Molly’s Ice Cream Shop, and the Market Place. In addition to hosting music, the Market Place will also host a quilt show sponsored by the Eye of the Needle Quilt Guild and cookie sale sponsored by the Barbour County CEOS.

All of the events mentioned are organized and operated by community volunteers who make up the Covered Bridge Christmas Celebration Committee. This small group of volunteers happily provides a month-long holiday celebration for area residents and visitors. Anyone wishing to be part of the committee should contact Philippi Mayor Phil Bowers.