Despite Rain, Nokesville Christmas Parade Brings Cheer

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Despite rain, the Nokesville Christmas parade organized by the Nokesville Business Association went on as planned for Dec. 14 at 4 p.m., delivering Christmas themed floats, songs and characters.

The rain did curtail the length of the parade as certain certain groups scheduled to march cancelled. However, there were still plenty of Christmas characters along the route to keep the crowds entertained.

The parade started off with fire engines and trucks form the Nokesville Fire Department, Prince William County County Police trucks and Sheriff’s Honor Guard.

The two Grand Marshals were Katherine Meints, Principal of Brentsville District High School and Dr. Michael Bishop, Principal of Patriot High School.

Elected leaders included Brentsville District Supervisor Wally Covington, Delegate Richard Anderson of the 51st District and Brentsville School Board member Gil Trenum, who road in a red sports car. Nokesville Elementary Principal Eric Worcester road on a float with several of his students.

The T.Clay Wood Elementary School choir and Rudy Youth organization paraded down Fitzwater Drive, singing Winter Wonderland, while wearing ponchos as did Boy Scout Club 671, which meets at Nokesville Church of the Brethren.

Prince William Dance Academy, located along Fitzwater Drive, had its dancers dancing Rockette-style, wearing Mrs. Santa-type dresses and Santa hats.

Brentsville District High School’s state award-winning cheerleading squad danced down the road, pom-poms shaking, and the Nokesville Elementary School Cheer Dance Academy “Tigers” marched as well.

Speaking of Tigers, Tiger Martial Arts team gave a self-defense demonstration along the parade route in which broke wooden blocks out right of the hand of their tiger mascot.

Other characters, who graced the parade, included the Chick-fil-A cow, who wore Santa apparel and followed behind Nokesville’s famous cow-train, handing out goodies.

But, real animals also marched in the parade. There were dogs representing Pet Value at Bristow Center, the Chance Foundation Dog Rescue in Catlett and Paws for Seniors in Bealeton.

There were also horses, included two great specimens pulling the carriage that carried the parade’s Grand Marshals.

Trucks, which are always a favorite, also made an appearance. While there were no monster trucks this year, the Ugly Truck Club of America road several oversized pickups in the parade. Rob Petrie also drove an antique ladder truck.

And while the high school marching bands did not show, the Marine Corp band did.

Last, but not least, was Santa Claus, who road into town on a large yellow Nokesville Fire Department engine.

While there was less of a turnout this year due to the weather, some Nokesville citizens said they would not dream of missing the parade.

Nettie Hawkins said she and her family came out, “because we support Nokesville.”

Her son, 15-year-old Dustin Hawkins, explained it more bluntly.

“We’re here because we don’t have a lick of sense. We’re cold and wet and damp,” he said, jokingly.

Yuri Burt, who dressed as the Gingerbread Man at last year’s Christmas Parade, was back in full costume this year.

“The kids love it, and we love Nokesville,” he said.

His wife, Rachel Burt, was also in costume, dressed this year as Charlie-in-the-Box from the Land of Misfit Toys.

For the most part, the children who attended, did not mind the weather, cozy as they were under oversized and brightly colored umbrellas and wearing hats and mittens.

“I liked it all,” said 7-year-old Olivia Beckett, who added that she especially liked seeing Santa.

“My favorite part was that they gave out candy,” said her 5-year-old sister, Aurora.

Some children also braved the weather to march in the parade such as T.Clay Wood fourth grade student, Case Lascowski, who marched along with the chorus.

“It was fun,” said Lascowski.

His mom was happy that his group got some recognition saying their teacher, Rebecca Anderson,  does a great job with the children in the program.

At the end of the parade, some gathered for dinner at Church of the Brethren but the  live nativity by candle light did not follow immediately afterwards due to the rain.

Bristow Beat has more photos of the parade posted on our Facebook page. 

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