By Matt de Simone
Holiday cheer filled Main Street last Saturday as the Town of Buchanan welcomed residents and visitors for its annual Christmas parade, bringing the community together for an afternoon of seasonal celebration. Floats, vehicles and walking groups moved through downtown decorated in festive style, spreading good will and holiday spirit along the parade route.
Among the entries drawing attention were a season float from A Few Old Goats Brewery, decorated vehicles from the Night Crawlers VA Chapter, and members of the Buchanan Lions Club greeting spectators as they passed. One of the most “funnest” moments came from the Botetourt 4-H FRC Robotics Team, whose Jack Skellington robot rolled along Main Street from a truck with a robot driver, adding a creative and technological flair that delighted parade-goers of all ages.
Parade entries included: A Few Old Goats Brewery; Bank of Botetourt; Blue Ridge Wrecker Service; Botetourt 4-H FRC Robotics Team; Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office; Botetourt County 4-H Livestock Club; Buchanan Lions Club; Farm View B&B; Fincastle Baptist Church; Jefferys’s Funny Farm; Jelly Stone Natural Bridge; Kelly Beasley; Michael Lee Carter; Night Crawlers VA Chapter; Old School Racing Arnold Williams; Rhudy Williams; Rockbridge Farmers Co-op; Self-Cora Moorman; Sharin’ Flowers + The Country Crate; Sheon Bowers; Sink’s Septic & Drain; Sirens and Salutes Inc.; The Best Place Antiques; Twin River Outfitters; and VDOT Safety Service.
Buchanan Town Manager Tim Mack praised the event, saying, “The parade was a huge success with a great turnout!”
The holiday festivities continue in Buchanan with the Festival of Lights at Buchanan Town Park, where displays are illuminated nightly from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. through Jan. 3, offering families and visitors a festive destination to enjoy throughout the remainder of the season.
Christmas cheer protected in Buchanan
Christmas cheer was officially saved in Botetourt County last weekend, thanks to the watchful eye and quick action of the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office.
Parade-goers may remember that trouble first appeared the weekend prior at Fincastle’s Christmas parade, when the Grinch made an unexpected appearance and was promptly “arrested” by BCSO deputies right in the middle of the festivities. Unfortunately, the green suspect proved slippery, managing to escape custody and leaving deputies— and spectators— wondering when he might strike again.
Sure enough, at the start of Saturday’s Buchanan Christmas Parade, the Grinch resurfaced. After being briefly detained, he once again slipped away, much to the amusement of the crowd. But his reign of holiday mischief didn’t last long.
During the parade, deputies received reports that the Grinch intended to steal Christmas cheer from parade-goers. Acting quickly, BCSO personnel moved in and successfully apprehended him— this time for good.
“Thanks to quick action by our deputies, the Grinch was apprehended in Buchanan before any Christmas cheer could be stolen,” said Sheriff Matt Ward. “He’s now in custody and will be closely supervised to ensure Christmas remains safe and joyful for everyone.”
The Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that no presents, decorations, or holiday spirit were harmed during the incident, and the arrest was made without incident.
“While the Grinch may have had mischievous intentions, our deputies ensured the parade continued safely and that the holiday spirit remained intact,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “We’re pleased to say Buchanan’s (and Botetourt County’s) Christmas remains fully intact. We appreciate the community’s cooperation and hope everyone enjoys a safe and festive Christmas season.”
The playful pursuit drew plenty of laughter and cheers from parade-goers of all ages and served as a reminder that BCSO deputies are always on duty—even when protecting Christmas cheer.
From our families to yours, the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a joyful holiday season.
