Following last year’s Christmas parade, the late Lois Jean Brooks said she was unsure how she became parade chairman, but she had done it for all of the parade’s 27-year history. She had directed the parade for the previous three years from a wheelchair, due to a severely broken leg. She also gave credit to the many volunteers that made the parade happen.
Lois Jean Brooks passed away on Christmas Eve 2022 and without her leadership there was concern about the future of the Urbanna Christmas Parade.
No worries. Town Treasurer Michele Hutton announced at the Aug. 24 Urbanna Town Council meeting that plans are proceeding to continue presenting the Christmas Parade and events that include caroling, lit Christmas trees on the town green, food and visits with Santa.
“We want to ensure that the (Urbanna) Christmas Parade goes on,” said Hutton. “We’re going to make it happen.”
Hutton said that Auxiliary President Jeannine Rowe, Dave Lipscombe and Maribel Kimble have already started putting their heads together. The parade planners are asking anyone who wants to help share their ideas to call Hutton at 804-758-2613 or email her at m.hutton@urbannava.gov.
Tentative schedule
- The Christmas Parade is set for 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, said Hutton. The judges stand will now be at Taber Park.
- Members of the Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department will have food and music at the firehouse.
- Beth Justice and Merri Hanson will sing, and the Middlesex High School Choir will perform selections.
- The parade will cap events presented during the day, including a pet parade. Also being planned is a “hot chocolate cook off,” and a lighted maze for children.
- Santa Claus will arrive by fire truck. Children can visit with the Jolly Man from the North Pole at the firehouse.
