VIDEO: Rain Doesn't Dampen Nokesville Day Festivities

Each year, a number of local businesses participate in the annual Nokesville Day celebration.

Despite the rain, many residents celebrated Nokesville Day Saturday by attending the annual parade and block party along Fitzwater Drive.

Nokesville Day, organized by the Nokesville-Bristow Ruritans, is a long-standing Nokesville tradition, which hundreds of people attend each year.

“I’ve lived here since the fourth grade,” said Susie Townsend, “I go every year.

While resident's enjoyed many familiar sights and sounds, there were some changes in this year's celebration. Organizers reversed the parade route to start at  Route 28 and end at Brentsville District High School on Aiden Road as well as a ban on throwing candy from parade floats.

The Nokesville-Bristow Ruritans also took a non-traditional approach in their choice of grand marshal.

Congressman Rob Wittman greets a future constituent during the parade.

In honor of Prince William Police Officer Chris Yung, who died in the line of duty on Dec. 31, 2012, “Our Fallen Officers” served as the collective grand marshal. Two Prince William County Police motorcycles represented these officers at the beginning of the parade.

A Nolkesville Day favorite, the staff of the Nokesville Neighborhood Library dance their way down Fitzwater Drive with their carts.

Despite the changes, most of the beloved elements of Nokesville Day remained, such as the Nokesville Neighborhood Library staff, who danced down Fitzwater Drive with their book carts.

As the Nokesville Ruritans have recently helped launch several youth groups in local middle, elementary and high schools, Ruri-Teen and Ruri-Youth members were featured on a float towards the front of the parade.

Ruri-Youth children walk along the parade route.

Bringing more music and dance were Prince William Dance Academy dancers and twirlers, the Brentsville District High School Band, Patriot High School Marching Band and Color Guard, and the Tiger Junior Cheerleaders.

The parade also featured the Boy Scouts, little league players and the crowd favorite classic cars, tractors and fire engines from the Nokesville Volunteer Fire Department.

“My favorite part was the fire trucks,” said nine-year-old Ava Brown. “Mine was the baseball players on the truck,” said her seven-year-old brother, Austin.

Animal lovers enjoyed the Gypsy Horses and ponies, including one horse painted with tiger stripes. And, even though no one was allowed to throw candy from their floats, children ended up with plenty of treats.

“I got a pocket full of candy,” said Nokesville Elementary student Sammy Smaltz.

Brentsville District High School band members play for the crowd.

While some elected officials were attending the Virginia Republican Convention in Richmond this weekend, Congressman Rob Wittman (R) walked the parade route shaking hands with citizens. Brentsville District School Board representative Gil Trenum was also a familiar face among Nokesville residents as he chatted with residents.

The Ruritans chose two Citizens of the Year for 2013. Don and Helen Taylor, proprietors of Windy Knoll Farm, partnered with the Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) to turn part of their 95-acre farm into an outdoor museum for agricultural and educational workshops.

Don and Helen Taylor, proprietors of Windy Knoll Farm, were this year's Citizens of the Year.

Glenn Spain served as Nokesville Ruritan of the Year. The club’s 2013 chaplain and 2011 President, Spain was also a key organizer of the Nokesville Day Parade and an actively involved member of the Brentsville District High School Booster Club.

The festivities continued after the parade as well, featuring food and activities for children including carnival games, balloon hats, bubble blasters, and stickers. The Kids Club at the Church of the Brethren also sponsored a dunk tank.

Many lined up to sample slow cooked southern BBQ from Blue Dog BBQ, which was also named Nokesville Day's Business of the Year.

Residents supported their Brentsville District High School Beta Club, buying cupcakes to support Pennies for Patients. Adviser Neta Lowe, said they do not usually make much money, but they participate, because “It’s a fun thing to do.” New release 4K Movies for download, profile 4k-hd.

Across the street, children were able to decorate gourmet cupcakes with Nokesville’s own Aubergine Chef.

At the Church of the Brethren children and adults enjoy carnival games.

“Usually after the parade, we have a big rush,” said chef Jason Shriner.

While many attendees noted fewer people due to the weather, by the time the parade began, the rain had slowed to a drizzle, and everyone seemed glad they came.