FINCASTLE – Holiday lovers will have an eye-popping time at the first Tinsel Trail festival here where they can enjoy more than two dozen Christmas trees decorated by local organizations.
The event, sponsored mainly by The Bank of Fincastle and the Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce, will featuring eight-foot Fraser firs purchased and decorated by area organizations. The event begins with an unveiling of the Tinsel Trail scheduled for Dec. 3, along with the annual Botetourt County Historical Society Museum Open House.
“The Bank of Fincastle invites you to visit our first Tinsel Trail featuring a festive display of live Christmas trees in the historic Town of Fincastle,” said Scott Steele, President and CEO, adding decorated trees can spread the magic of the holidays throughout our community in a safe and cheerful way.
The trees were secured by Rockingham Cooperative/ACE Hardware, no small endeavor, said Bobby Moses, who oversees the store’s gardening center. Moses explained during the recession families had to choose between presents or a Christmas tree, which drove many tree growers into hard times. Many farmers eventually went out of business, creating less places to purchase trees, including three where Rockingham Cooperative/ACE Hardware purchased its trees.
Moses and store manager Janice Brown said this year they were able to purchase 80 trees from a farm in Floyd, including the ones used for the Tinsel Trail.
Brown said the effort was worth it, especially in the era of COVID-19. “It will give people happiness and it will help the community,” she said.
The chamber hopes the new event will assist local businesses and non-profits. “This outdoor family experience will provide organizations the chance to show off their creative talents and build team spirit,” said a chamber spokesperson.
Trees will be prepared by the Chamber for organizations to decorate on Dec. 1 and 2. The trees will be displayed around the Museum and courthouse area of downtown Fincastle.
The Botetourt County Historical Museum will be holding its open house and offering small group tours of the Museum.
The 250th Botetourt County Anniversary Committee will also be selling ornaments to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the county. Homemade refreshments and light fare will be offered at the event. Registration to attend the event is free. Tree sponsorships are $250. For more information, visit the www.botetourtchamber.com.
The event starts at 5:30 p.m. in downtown Fincastle, 3 W. Main St.
Spectrum Design donated a tree to Colonial Elementary School
Winter’s Storage donated a tree to Family Promise of Greater Roanoke
The Bank of Fincastle donated a tree to Toys 4 Bot-E-Tots
The Bank of Fincastle (2 trees in addition to the donated one)
Bank of Botetourt
Century 21, Wampler Realty
Colonial Mortgage Company
DAR-Daughters of the American Revolution
Historic Fincastle Inc.
Lawrence Companies
Old Republic Title
Re/Max All Stars Realty
Sunshine Services
The Kyle House
Roanoke Cement
Town of Fincastle
Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation Inc.
The Pie Shoppe
Carrington Cottage
Country Breeze Heating and Cooling
Rockingham Cooperative/ACE Hardware
