There’s no better place to be this holiday season than in your own hometown, and no better way to get in the spirit of the season than by participating in some of the many events scheduled throughout our county for Hometown Christmas.
The Christmas season officially kicks off on Main Street in Stuart on Friday, December 1 with the seventh annual “Grand Illumination” tree lighting ceremony in front of the courthouse at 6 p.m. The program will include carolers, remarks from the Town Mayor, and others, as well as the tree lighting by the parade Grand Marshals; The Patrick County High School 2022 Baseball State Champions. Merchants on Main Street will extend their Friday hours, allowing plenty of time for holiday shopping. Santa will be making an appearance for pictures following the tree lighting. Coming back for a second year, shop the vendors that will be set up along Orchard Street.
Hometown Christmas continues on Saturday, December 2nd with a day jam-packed with holiday celebrations and plenty more shopping opportunities, including the Mistletoe Market at the Stuart Farmers’ Market (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.), the holiday bazaar at the Stuart Church of Living Water (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Stuart Elementary School PTO’s “Winter Blender” (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) The Patrick County Library will host an open house (10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.) celebrating Charlie Brown Christmas, with viewing of the cartoon and crafts. And don’t forget to stop by Circle K for some free hot chocolate before or after the parade (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.).
Back this year, the P&HCC Fab Lab will be hosting a DIY make-your-own ornament at the college (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.) Come create a unique keepsake for your tree or as a gift. Connect to all the great events around the town on Saturday with the free trolley rides. Hop on at one event and get off at the new shopping destination. Trolley rides will be given from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The 51st annual Patrick County Christmas Parade, presented by One Family Productions, begins at 2 p.m. The theme this year is “Celebrating Patrick County’s Heritage and Future,” in honor of the heritage and rich tradition of baseball in this county and the future of the sport. The Grand Marshal distinction will be bestowed on the 2022 Patrick County High School Cougar Baseball team. This team was the first team to win a Virginia State Championship in Patrick County school history.
New for the parade this year, WHEO Radio, along with One Family Productions and the Chamber of Commerce, will be announcing and running live complementary for the parade. So, tune into 1270 AM or 92.7FM WHEO Radio to listen.
Patrick County’s Hometown Christmas weekend (December 1 and 2) is a collaborative effort of local merchants, the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Stuart, Patrick County Tourism, and One Family Productions.
‘FInd yourself here,’ in Patrick County, and enjoy the many festivities of Hometown Christmas along with all of our other holiday events, contact the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce at (276) 694-6012 or online at PatrickChamber.com.
