Even though the county experienced some soggy weather up until mid-morning, it did not dampen the Christmas Spirit!!  Over 35 entries and an estimated 700 spectators filled Courthouse Road on Saturday, December 14th for the 12th Annual Dinwiddie County Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade.  The Parade is a fundraiser for the Chamber with 100% of registration fees collected going to their scholarship fund.  Last year the fund was able to provide two $1000 scholarships to Dinwiddie High School seniors.

Hosting an outdoor event is always a challenge as we cannot control what Mother Nature may have in mind.  After watching the weather closely for most of the week, the Parade Committee along with County officials made the decision Friday afternoon that the parade would go on.  Forecasters consistantly called for the rain to end by mid-morning and the predictions held true!    

The parade kicked off on time at 1:00 pm sharp and, as has become tradition, was led by the Dinwiddie High School JROTC.  There were local groups and groups from as far away as Midlothian.  Dancers, horses, pups, cheerleaders, floats and fire trucks made their way from Dinwiddie Middle School down Courthouse Road to the government center.  Tons of candy was handed out to spectators along the way.  Many groups stopped in places where there were large crowds to perform the routines they had tirelessly practiced (this caused a few lags in continuity, but their performances were worth it).  No parade is complete without an appearance from jolly old St. Nick.  Led by the Dinwiddie High School Marching Band, Ford Fire Department provided Santa his ride.

“It’s always a tough call whether or not to utilize a back-up date.  There are many factors to consider when making a decision.  Who is going to be able to participate if we do move the date?  Will we have enough volunteers?  The decision is not taken lightly,” said Barbara Pittman, Parade Chairman.  Mrs. Pittman went on to say that while they regret that some units opted to not participate, there were others we knew could not participate if we moved the date. Fortunately the forecasters got it right and we had a great day for a parade!  

The Chamber would like to recognize and thank the following volunteers and sponsors for their critical role in making the parade a success:

Joy Marshall and  parade committee, Charles Haire, Village Shed, Edmunds Waste Removal, Jason Dean, Touchstone Bank, Southside Electric Cooperative, Dinwiddie Health and Rehabilitation, Dinwiddie County Public Schools, Dinwiddie County Sherriff’s Office, Dinwiddie County Airport, and Dinwiddie Fire & EMS.  A special thank you to the McKenney Cruisers and the numerous citizens who graciously provided their classic cars for local dignitaries. 

In conclusion, the Chamber would like to thank the Dinwiddie Community!  Without your participation and support, this would not be possible! Please click on the link below to view some photos!!    Click here to view photos!