Nokesville Business Association’s First Annual Christmas Parade was a success on Saturday, Nov. 8 with residents of Nokesville, Western Prince William and Fauquier County lined up along the route on Fitzwater Drive.
“It was really nice for the first time. A lot of people showed up,” said Tim Franey, who rode on the Rainbow Preschool float along with his wife Gina.
Children were eager to see Santa Claus ride in a Nokesville Fire and Rescue truck, but first they would be amazed by dancers, marching bands and spectacles of all kinds.
Maddison and older sister Ashley Bowman of Bristow Run Elementary were anxious to see Santa, while their sister MacKayla said she was, “excited just to see the parade.” But before Santa made an appearance, there was so much to see and hear along the way.
The parade featured local officials Supervisor Wally Covington, School Board Member Gil Trenum and Virginia General Assembly Delegate Rich Anderson. Nokesville Citizen of the Year Dona Swanson and Sheriff Glen Hill also made an appearance along with the Prince William County Police Department and Honor Guard.
Marching bands from Brentsville, Patriot and Stonewall Jackson high schools performed upbeat Christmas music as did children from Linton Hall School Drum and Fife Band.
There was plenty of dancing, including performances from the Patriot High School Dance Team, Young Nokesville Spirit Squad and Brentsville High School Cheerleaders, who danced and, to the awe of the crowd, constructed human pyramids.
The crowd was also treated to Rockette-style dance numbers from Prince William Dance Academy, Gainesville Dance Center and Spot Light Dance Company. Girls in those companies danced to “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree,” “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” and “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.”
While the parade had wonderful dancing, it also had plenty for the boys to enjoy, such as fire trucks from the Nokeville Fire Department, motorcycles from Motorcyle Factory, Hartman’s Fleet Service trucks, a large trailer from J.K. Enterprises Landscape Supply and a giant, engine-roaring Monster Truck by Mike Hawkins.
There were other wonders as well, such as the scene from "A Christmas Story" and even Santa's elves were there to promote local businesses like Rainbow Preschool, McGlothlin Realty, Jacobs & Co. Real Estate and Kids Club, Country Corner Woodworking & Antiques, Nokesville Flower and Gifts, PNC Bank in Bristow, Chick-fil-A "Bristow" and John Hancock Financial Network.
Plus animal lovers enjoyed the dogs of the 4-H Club and the majestic horses of Nokesville Horse Society, including beautiful Gypsy Horses.
Lastly, local organizations also marched, rode on floats and handed out candy to kids along the route. These nonprofit organizations included the Rudy Youth Group, Nokesville Elementary P.T.O. and Nokesville Neighborhood and Library and Nokesville United Methodist Church.
Elizabeth Smaltz, a second grader at Nokesville Elementary School, said the cheerleaders were her favorite, while her twin brother Sam, said, “My favorite part was the monster truck,” but, "the Police were also pretty cool.” Little sister, Julianna, liked the horses most of all.
Children were surprised to find so much they liked as much as, if not more than, seeing Santa. Adults were amazed that for the first year of the Nokesville Christmas Parade, it already had so big a following, and was executed so professionally.
“It’s nice having the parade for the holiday, especially in Nokesville, where we’re all so close knit,” said Lisa Park, whose daughter danced with Prince William Dance Academy.
Yuri Bart dressed as a gingerbread man --not for a float, but just for the occasion. His wife, Rachel, who dressed as Santa’s daughter, said, “This is our second Nokesville Day.”
Friend Gary Howke, who dressed as the “Christmas Bunny” or Ralphy from the Christmas Story, agreed. He said the nice weather helped to facilitate a big crowd and hopes the Nokesville Business Associate will continue it into the future.
The parade ended with a Christmas tree lighting, live Nativity at Church of the Brethren and chili dinner in the Church's assembly, where children were able to meet Santa. There were horse and buggy carriage rides as well.
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