The Holidays Are Officially Here In Blacksburg

Blacksburg streets were filled over the weekend with people enjoying the festivities of the Holiday Parade and Winter Lights Festival. The holiday tree was lit along with a parade and carolers to celebrate the arrival of the holiday season.

Santa made a visit to Blacksburg’s Lyric Theater as children gathered and lined up for their picture to be taken with him. Sounds of laughter and Christmas songs were heard as each child got see Santa.

The Blacksburg Children’s Chorale gathered in front of the tree before the lighting ceremony. They sang Christmas songs as the tree lit up sparking just as the sun had gone down.

The tree was decorated with different colored lights and a bright shinning star on top. The crowd applauded and the children continued to sing celebrating the start of the season.

“It was fun for the children, we were always in a rehearsed setting but this was more fun for them,” said Patrice Yearwood, director of the Blacksburg Children’s Chorale.

Blacksburg Children’s Chorale began foour years ago but this was their first year singing in the Blacksburg parade. The ensemble consists of 60-70 treble voice members beginning at age 8.

Local vendors and crafts were held in the new Market Square Park. Market Square Park opened for the parade and festival.

Farmer’s market vendors were selling local fruits, vegetables, cookies, breads and jams. Homemade jewelry, pottery and gifts sold along side the food from the local vendors.

Christmas crafts were offered in New Market Park also. Crafts for children, and adults were set up allowing people to get involved in the Christmas gifts instead of just buying item.

Many Christmas items were being sold such as wreaths and hand made ornaments. Hot chocolate and apple cider were given away free as Tubachristmas played a selection of Christmas carols.

“I had never heard of Tubachristmas, but the songs they played really set the mood for the market and Christmas time,” Virginia Tech student Makayla Greathouse said.

Tubachristmas, an all brass ensemble, performed traditional Christmas selections such as Old Ye Faithful and Rockin Around the Christmas Tree.

Carolers sang in front of the stores downtown dressed in holiday costumes. People listened as they shopped through the stores, which stayed open for this special event.

As the parade was about to start, people gathered around Main Street and Blacksburg High School band started the parade.

Floats followed from different organizations such as Boy Scout groups, churches, local businesses and many others. Bright lights and Christmas music played from the floats as they rode down the street.

Along with the floats, the parade consisted of walkers, dancers, cheerleaders, dogs, rollerblades and bicyclists. As many of the people and floats passed by they passed out candy to the children standing along side the street.

The parade consisted of some unique ideas like unicycles, a train and even a boat all decorated in lights and Christmas decorations. To finish the parade Santa made his final appearance concluding the festivities.

“I think this year went great, and has gotten a lot bigger,” Yearwood said. The holiday season has come to Blacksburg as the residents enjoyed a fun night of Christmas sounds and activities.