Vinton kicks off the holiday season tonight
VINTON - Vinton will be kicking the Holiday Season off to a good start tonight with the Christmas Parade starting at 7pm, with the theme “A Little Bit Country.” The parade will start on Gus Nicks Blvd at the old middle school before coming over the hill, then turns onto Pollard St., then it will go past the Municipal Building, where the Christmas tree lighting is held as well as where the judges’ stand is, and then it will take a left onto Cleveland Avenue. From there it will turn left onto Maple St., and then back onto Washington Ave. before ending at the War Memorial.
This year the parade, sponsored by both the Vinton Chamber of Commerce and by BB&T, boasts 90 entries, complete with a wide variety of floats, and six marching bands from nearby schools.
There will be vendors set up on Lee St. in front of the Dogwood Restaurant selling popcorn, hot chocolate, cotton candy and crafts, as well as vendors along the parade routes selling more “circus-like” items.” Please bring cash for any items you may wish to purchase.
Pre- Parade entertainment will be held at the Vinton Municipal Building, starting at 6 pm with a performance by the William Byrd High School Band. Following the band at 6:15 will be a performance put on by the Floyd Ward Dance Ensemble. At 6:30 pm the Relinquish Band will play, while the Christmas Tree is lighting takes place and until they hear the parade coming around the corner at 7pm.
There will be an open house at the War Memorial after the parade complete with Santa, refreshments, and a Country Christmas Show by Pam and Wolfe with Vabiz.com. A card making table to make cards for VA Patients and Red Cross prints cards to send to troops that don’t get much mail.
The Vinton Breakfast Lion’s Club is also hosting a Spaghetti Dinner this evening from 4-7pm at the VWF building on Lee Street. Tickets are $5 ahead of time and $6 at the door, per dinner, which includes a salad, bread, spaghetti, and a drink.
Story by Carrie E. Cox
