Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, December 3, 1993 TAG: 9401060001
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
It's a homey tradition that's survived the shift away from downtown stores to shopping malls. Santa Claus still shows up at both venues, though in the local parade, he's more likely to be riding a fire engine than a helicopter.
Besides, as the old saw goes, everybody likes a parade, especially when you think of how many people will sit in front of the TV to watch one.
Most local parades are lucky to make it as far as radio, but, of course, there's no real substitute for being there. And for those entering floats, the real fun is competing for various awards and trophies.
Pulaski got the jump on the holiday this year by holding its parade Nov. 20, and Dublin's parade was Thursday, but most other area communities will hold their parades this week or next.
``The Wonder of Christmas'' is the focus of Blacksburg's annual Christmas Parade, which gets under way Saturday at 1 p.m. downtown on North Main Street.
Look for colorful floats, horses, antique cars, comic characters, caroling groups and, of course, marching bands.
After the parade, everyone's invited to meet Santa Claus and hear the Blacksburg Community Band at the Post Office lot on North Main Street.
To find out more, call the Department of Parks and Recreation, the parade sponsor, at 961-1135.
In Christiansburg, it'll be ``Christmas Around the World'' Saturday, at 6 p.m. Parade-goers can follow the festivities along the route from Roanoke and Main streets to Radford and College streets.
The Christiansburg Jaycees are sponsoring the parade. Call Ellen Lamb, 382-1044, for information.
Floyd's Merchants Association will sponsor the Christmas parade there on Saturday, at 1 p.m. Heather Belcher, 789-7735, can tell you more.
Radford's parade, Thursday, at 7 p.m., will honor ``Songs of the Holidays.'' The parade, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club, will start at University Boulevard Bridge and move west along Norwood and First streets to Central Square on the West End of the city. To help local food pantries, parade goers are invited to contribute nonperishable food items to the Christmas Carts in the parade. Cash contributions also are welcome.
Main Street Radford businesses will extend hours starting the night of the parade through Dec. 23.
Get parade information from the Radford Chamber of Commerce, 639-2202, or Main Street Radford, 731-3656.
The Giles County town of Narrows will have two Christmas parades this year. The traditional Narrows Christmas parade will take place Thursday, at 6:30 p.m., starting at the Old Narrows High School and in the first block of The Boulevard. Marchers will follow The Boulevard to Main Street, down Monroe, then back to Old Narrows High. The fire truck with Santa Claus (See? We told you.) will turn at the Mill Pond and return to the fire station to give out goodies to the kids.
A miniature Christmas parade will be held Dec. 15, at Old Narrows High School at 7 p.m. This unique event will feature floats up to 3 feet by 6 feet and powered by youngsters under age 12.
Call Curtis Downey, 726-3022 to find out more.
The town of Pearisburg was all set to have its parade Saturday, but when Giles High School`s football team made the playoffs, things got rearranged. The team will be playing in the Group A Division 2 state semifinals at Haysi. Half the town will be with them.
The parade downtown now will be held Dec. 11, at 10 a.m. The top three parade entries - about three dozen have signed up - will get cash prizes. Parade organizers are hoping that country singer Johnny Lee, best known for his hit ``Looking for Love in all the Wrong Places,'' will be the parade marshal. He'll also appear that night at the Pearis Theatre at 7:30.
Pictures with Santa for youngsters will be taken right after the parade in the Pearisburg Community Center.
Call Stephanie Paupe, 921-1992, for parade information.
by CNB