The 49th annual Patrick County Christmas Parade will begin at 2 p.m. on Dec. 5, according to One Family Productions, which organizes the event.
This year, organizers went back to the drawing board to reimagine the annual event during the COVID-19 pandemic while ensuring safety for parade goers and participants alike.
The parade will feature parked or stationary floats, with parade goers invited to drive through the parade route.
Those entering a float will be offered pre-measured spaces along the route.
Parade goers will remain in their vehicles and drive through to see the exhibits, which will be open from 2 to 4 p.m.
Line up for the parade will begin at 12:30 p.m., with check-in near the corner of Blue Ridge Street and Woods Brothers Drive in Stuart.
The parade begins at 2 p.m., and traffic will be asked to line up in the left turn lane on Wood Brothers Drive. All traffic flow will be clearly marked on parade day, and signs must be followed.
Organizers remind parade participants and parade goers that any and all mandates regarding public safety that were issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including masks and social distancing and, must be followed to participate.
One Family Productions decided to honor Dr. Lock Boyce’s memory as Grand Marshal of this year’s parade. Dr. Boyce was a long-time resident of Patrick County, a community activist, Board of Supervisors member, philanthropist, and supporter of many Patrick County events, both personally and through his veterinary practice. He passed away unexpectedly in August.
All participants, including businesses, educational and non-profit organizations, churches, pageant title holders, and others, are asked to submit entry forms by November 30 to secure a place in the line-up. Entries are $20, which secures a measured and marked space along the parade route. The fee for registrations received after November 30 is $25.
Spaces are limited, and will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. Participants are asked to submit a completed registration form as soon as possible.
Horse/rider pairs will be assigned a 50-foot space and required to wear masks; registration is $5 per horse.
Fire/rescue/emergency services will be limited to one vehicle per station or department, and apparatus’ fees are waived.
**Due to increased liability risks and safety concerns, ATVs/4 wheelers will not be allowed.**
For more information, contact, Chris Prutting at 276-692-7195, visit the Facebook page “Patrick County Christmas Parade,” or email questions to pcchristmasparade@gmail.com.
Access the online registration at http://bit.ly/pcchristmasparade2020
