Photo courtesy of Botetourt Chamber of Commerce
The beauty and festive spirit of the fourth annual Botetourt Chamber Tinsel Trail returns to Fincastle this winter thanks to the continued support of title sponsor First Bank. “We are pleased that First Bank chose to sponsor this event again for 2023. It speaks to the value the Tinsel Trail brings to the area and the community involvement prioritized in their mission to make a difference in the communities they serve,” said Khari Ryder, Executive Director of the Botetourt Chamber of Commerce.
W. Todd Ross, Marketing President with First Bank, explains, “We’re proud to have supported this hallmark event since its inception four years ago and are pleased to see it grow into such a festive event for the entire community. The Tinsel Trail offers a great holiday experience for Botetourt County and our surrounding neighbors. We look forward to sharing the excitement of the holiday season with everyone again this year.”
Opening night is scheduled for December 1 and, as in prior years, the trail will remain open throughout December. There is no charge for this event. This year the Tinsel Trail Committee will add a Santa Food Court on opening night. Donnie D’s Bagels and Deli will be bringing the new food trailer to opening night. Locally owned 1772 on Main & Rooftop and the Fincastle Café will also be serving food, drinks, and merriment that evening.
Planning for this event starts well in advance on January 1, after the end of last year’s Tinsel Trail, with monthly meetings leading up to opening night. The Tinsel Trail committee members are Teresa Fridley, Amanda Schaal, Ann Layman, David Tickner, Bobbie Bowman, Mike Rakes, Shantelle Crouch, and Jennifer Vance.
Teresa Fridley has served on the committee as the First Bank representative since the event began in 2019. She has played an important role involving the community in the Tinsel Trail through her relationships with area schools and farms. “Non-profits are an integral part of our community, and this event offers businesses an opportunity to donate their tree to a non-profit organization to decorate,” said Fridley. She also works with area elementary schools to encourage their participation in the event. “Every year I look forward to seeing the hand-painted ornaments the elementary school students have made and decorated the tree with them.”
Anyone interested in purchasing a tree to decorate may visit the Chamber website at botetourtchamber.com/events for details.
~ Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce
