Turnout for the 50th annual Patrick County Christmas Parade was “spectacular,” according to One Family Productions, which organized the Dec. 3 event. The parade’s theme, “Through the Decades,” honored the five decades in which it has been a community fixture.
The Grand Marshal distinction was shared among those who were instrumental in starting, growing, and supporting the parade throughout the past 50 plus years, including Patrick County Christmas Parade committee chairs from the Patrick County Jaycees, many of whom served long terms in the position. In addition, other early supporters of the parade were invited to board the Stuart Street Car and lead the parade. Some Grand Marshals were unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts or health concerns, and some have passed and were honored posthumously.
Among those honored Saturday were Jim Litten, Henry Hill, Thomas Inman, Bill Pons, Bruce Griffith, Darrell Lemke, Ronnie Haley, Mike Craig, Stanley Fain, Larry Wray, Richard Puckett, Mark Williams, Anita Prutting, Wayne Cruise, Roger Owens, Cheri Martin Wood, Ralph Lawson, Galen Gilbert, and Chris Prutting.
The parade boasted more than 100 entries this year, making it larger than last year by nearly 15 percent. Although the forecast rain threatened to put a damper on the celebration, showers cleared out early and the parade was held in ideal conditions. As always, there was an engaging selection of entries, and spectators were fascinated from beginning to end. Parade organizers expressed gratitude to the community.
“The parade can only be a success because of the dedication of the participants as well as the warm reception of the spectators,” they said. “One Family Productions is lucky to call Patrick County home.”
Proceeds from parade registrations will directly impact the local community, with donations made to both Christmas Cheer and Shop With a Cop. Both programs serve underprivileged families in Patrick County. The One Family Productions mission is to promote and support community enrichment and growth, and a large piece of that is giving back to organizations that are making a positive impact in the county.
