By Taylor Boyd
The 53rd annual Patrick County Christmas Parade will usher in the holiday season at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Hosted by One Family Productions and the Town of Stuart, the parade will feature the family of Wesley Tatum as grand marshals under this year’s theme, “Magic of the Season,” said Chris Prutting, executive director of One Family Productions.
“Wesley always, for years, put together that wonderful Christmas display that was free for the whole community to come out and watch. We really felt like that was the embodiment of the ‘Magic of the Season,’ because that was definitely magical for a lot of families in and around Patrick County,” Prutting said.
Tatum, who died in August, was known for Tatum’s Christmas light displays, musically synced shows on Ayers Orchard Road that were available for all to view.
“You would park basically in their front yard, and he would have a radio station he would tune in, and they would play a few songs that were synced to their lights so it would always be this big light display. He would start real early, getting all these lights together. Then, unfortunately, when he started developing his illness, it just wasn’t able to happen,” Prutting said.
Past light displays can be viewed on YouTube.
Prutting said those wishing to be in the parade can sign up until the day of the event. The cost is $25.
Lineup for participants begins at noon on Wood Brothers Drive in Stuart, with all entrants in position by 1:15 p.m.
“We give out a couple of awards, like for best in parade, spirit of the season, and stuff like that, every year. So that way around 1:15 p.m., judges will go around and do that before the parade kicks off at 2 p.m.,” he said.
The parade will travel down Blue Ridge Street, turn onto Stuart’s Main Street, and continue into the downtown area before ending on Commerce Street.
Prutting estimates more than 50 participants are currently registered. “Usually, we average anywhere from 150 to 200 when it’s all said and done,” he said.
The parade will also be broadcast live on WHEO, with Prutting and Patrick County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director and Stuart Town Council member Rebecca Adcock serving as emcees.
In the event of rain, the parade will be postponed to the following day with the same start time. Prutting said the final decision will be made no later than the morning of Saturday, Dec. 6.
