Thursday, December 8, 2011

Big Parade in Little Washington



 It was an amazing, warm, clear-skies day in Little Washington, VA.  Shop doors were wide open, tons of kiddies were treated to holiday sweets and goodies, and each child received a toy from Santa. The two Artisan Markets were jammed with holiday shoppers and Ben "Cooter" Jones' Garage Band rocked out in Stoneyman Square.

If you've never been to our small town parade you don't know what you are missing. It was the biggest yet for a 2-street town, with over 40 parade participant organizations. The small-town feel is wonderful, personal and warm. It's been likened to a Currier and Ives portrait, and that is pretty accurate. I look forward to it every year.

For our shop and gallery this is one of the busiest shopping days of the year so we were ready. We were also hosting a fabulous benefit for the Rappahannock High School Band, which was very well attended and which raised much need funds for the band.  We are in a "tiny" town (pop. 175), so when a few hundred people descend upon us we really notice.

Here are some images I took of this festive day.  

Camels were actually on parade for the first time. A camel on Main street was a sight to see.

Dr. Seuss' character Cindy Lou Who from Whoville

The Soap Box Derby Float with Rudolf was the biggest one yet.

Santa and Mrs. Claus rode in a Horse Drawn Carriage

Beautifully decorated Horses and Riders

US Army Fife and Drum Corp.

Rappahannock High School Panther Band

Bagpipers

Mysterious Horse Rider on Main Street

Dwight MacNeil from Red Truck Bakery handed out some delicious brownies to the crowd.


A Pink Smiling Piggy

Rappahannock High School Student Conductor keeping the band on time in front of our shop.

Big Smokey the Bear rode on top of the Washington Fire Dept. truck.

Anne Robertson played one of Santa's helpers during the day's festivities.
ABC Newsman Gordon Peterson rode in Ben "Cooter" Jones famous GENERAL LEE.

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