Yesterday was the Hometown Christmas Celebration in downtown Martinsville. There were so many things happening, including a bazaar at the Community Center, a tree decorating contest in the park (my sister won 2nd place), a 5k run/walk with the cute name of The Holiday Huff and Puff, horse-drawn wagon rides, free hot chocolate and cookies, fire-pits to add a little warmth to the night air, a live nativity, crafts for children, caroling in the park and--to top it off--the First Annual Light Parade.
Hundreds of people turned out to view the parade, which I heard had 36 entries. Some had gone to great lengths to decorate wagons and other vehicles by covering them with lights and adding Christmas trees, etc. One of the floats was a snow globe. Some from a troop of Boy Scouts rode inside a see-through tent placed on a trailer. It was lighted inside, where the boys dressed as elves, tossed 'snow' in the air. There were firetrucks and ambulances, including some from neighboring communities. One entry came from Charleston--about 30 miles away.
I walked in the parade with the Martinsville on the Move entry. John Hammond graciously allowed us to decorate his horse drawn wagon. We put garland and lights around the sides, attached a sign to the wagon that said "Angels announce Martinsville as Governor's Hometown Award winner," and placed a large lighted angel in the wagon. Then six of us walked beside the float dressed as angels, thanks to Norma's sister, Mary's creative ability. It was so much fun! The only drawback of walking in the parade is that you don't get to see all the entries, but that is more than compensated for by getting to see the size of the crowd, handing out candy to the children, and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.
All who were involved in any way were extremely excited and encouraged by the hundreds of people who came to enjoy the festivities and the parade. As someone said, "It was just like a Norman Rockwell painting."
I hope you are already planning to be part of next year's Celebration. I know I am. What a special way to participate in the Christmas season!
(I wish I had pictures to attach but since I was in the parade I didn't have my camera.)
Hundreds of people turned out to view the parade, which I heard had 36 entries. Some had gone to great lengths to decorate wagons and other vehicles by covering them with lights and adding Christmas trees, etc. One of the floats was a snow globe. Some from a troop of Boy Scouts rode inside a see-through tent placed on a trailer. It was lighted inside, where the boys dressed as elves, tossed 'snow' in the air. There were firetrucks and ambulances, including some from neighboring communities. One entry came from Charleston--about 30 miles away.
I walked in the parade with the Martinsville on the Move entry. John Hammond graciously allowed us to decorate his horse drawn wagon. We put garland and lights around the sides, attached a sign to the wagon that said "Angels announce Martinsville as Governor's Hometown Award winner," and placed a large lighted angel in the wagon. Then six of us walked beside the float dressed as angels, thanks to Norma's sister, Mary's creative ability. It was so much fun! The only drawback of walking in the parade is that you don't get to see all the entries, but that is more than compensated for by getting to see the size of the crowd, handing out candy to the children, and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.
All who were involved in any way were extremely excited and encouraged by the hundreds of people who came to enjoy the festivities and the parade. As someone said, "It was just like a Norman Rockwell painting."
I hope you are already planning to be part of next year's Celebration. I know I am. What a special way to participate in the Christmas season!
(I wish I had pictures to attach but since I was in the parade I didn't have my camera.)
1 comment:
It was a great day. Thanks for your efforts!
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