Pam Dudding
Contributing writer
It was 5:41 p.m. on Saturday night, December 1, and Main Street was practically empty. Just a few people were scattered down the decorated street that the parade would hopefully soon fill. People questioned if more would show up as the cold rain started coming down.
Some popped into The Emporium to get a free cup of coffee or tea and meander through the wide selection of things available to purchase, waiting on the parade to begin.
Two toddlers, Jasmine and Kailin, were happily tucked under one of the Main Street awnings, sitting in their little Radio Flyer wagon all bundled up. Both said they were excited because their daddy and mommy were going to be in the parade.
Another little girl was sitting atop her dad’s shoulders, seeming very content at the view she had. “She will be wanting down as soon as they turn the corner,” her parents said with a grin. Other children seemed to not care that it was raining and sat down patiently on the sidewalk.
At 6:13 p.m., the sirens sounded, and people came out of nowhere in every direction. Both adults and kids rushed to the sidewalks in anticipation of the Craig County Annual Christmas Parade, which has been held on the first Saturday of December for many years.
At the Courthouse lawn, the colorfully decorated Christmas tree awaited quietly for the arrival of Santa Clause.
As children walked by, one could almost feel their excitement grow as they pointed at the place where they knew Santa would later be before turning and talking to their parents.
Gabrielle Devinney, who served as the host D.J. for the evening, played melodic Christmas music to set the stage for the evening’s event. Even though he is only 18, Devinney shared that he’s had his business, Audio Excitement, for three years.
“I started out with a tablet and an amp and now have upgraded to this and more,” said Devinney, who can be found on Facebook or by contacting 540-765-8977. “I have been mainly doing weddings and our school’s events but lately have done some other gigs like this.”
The Craig County Board of Supervisors sponsors the Annual Christmas Parade each year. “We have never cancelled our parade,” said Kathy Jones who organized this year’s parade with the assistance of Angie Guthrie and Diane Givens.
Said Givens: “A little rain or bad weather does not deter us hardy Craig County people.”
The parade used to take place during the day years ago, but attendance continued to decrease, according to Givens. “It was suggested that we try a nighttime parade, and it has worked very well ever since,” she added.
“We had night parades in the 60s, and we started them again in 2012,” Jones shared.
As the first vehicle turned the corner on Main Street, squeals were heard from the kids and the atmosphere became a little more charged.
Last Saturday’s parade featured people, churches and businesses. They included:
·New Castle Mayor Bucky Johnson
·VFW Post 4491 representative Dennis White
·The newly formed Cub Scouts Pack #132
·The Craig County School’s ‘bucket fillers’ with Superintendent Jeanette Warwick
·The Craig County High School Band which played festive Christmas music were led by their teacher Alyssa Schulke
·Varsity High School Volleyball Team who waved to everyone from the bed of a pickup truck
·Darrell Frango in his decorated antique truck
·The Craig County Soccer team
·Resident Kyle Sloss
·The U. S. Forestry Service
·311 Automotive member Mark
·Several people on their 4-wheelers and dirt bikes: Jacob Hannah, Blake Hannah, Case Keffer, Grant Oliver, Joseph Charette, Austin, Karden Zysk and Rachel and Cody, Meadley, Logan and Stacy Carter Givens, Walven Hypes, Holly Givens and Holly Broughmer, Cory Tyzinski, Tristen Jones, Ethan and Heather, Drown and Daniel Givens
·Food Country and their decorated float with kids and Christmas
·Lighthouse Baptist Church with a unique float
·All types of outdoor sports were shown in the Wilderness Adventure float.
·VDOT driving their snow plow trucks with creative painted plows the students had done last year
·Craig Botetourt Electric
·The Craig County Rescue Squad saw people wave at them and give them a thumbs up sign
As the parade passed by, people waved, threw kisses and hollered at one another. Grins and laughter permeated the atmosphere like a sweet fog.
As the Big Fire Truck got closer to each set of children awaiting an appearance, the glee in their faces became somewhat contagious to all who were present. Parents had a grin as wide as their child’s and a look on their faces that were so content.
Children waved excitedly at Santa, and then it seemed as though the sidewalks moved themselves, as many made their way to the Courthouse lawn to get in line to have a few minutes on Santa’s lap.
Some kids enjoyed posing for pics with Santa while others didn’t even want to look at their parent’s camera, as their eyes and attention were solely focused on Santa as he talked to them, asking questions and intentionally listening to their individual requests.
“He’s a great Santa,” many families shared.
“He spends a lot of time with each kid,” said the local Sheriff’s department before adding with a smile that they were there to check with Santa about what they were getting for Christmas too. One moved really close to the candy table.
After each child talked with Santa, they received a nice bag of candy donated by Craig Botetourt Electric, tied with a string and a candy cane.
Givens played music until people started to go home.
It didn’t seem like any final words needed to be said. Not one child’s cry was heard nor were their any disgruntled parents. Could it have been that the beautiful manger scene set opposite of Santa helped to establish the atmosphere of a peaceful and fun filled evening?
