By Matt de Simone
It is officially Christmas time in Fincastle.
The town played host to the 2024 Botetourt Chamber of Commerce Tinsel Trail kickoff event on Friday night followed by the annual Christmas parade Saturday afternoon. The streets were filled with holiday cheer as friends, families, and visitors welcomed in the joyous Yuletide festivities.
Attendees were greeted by Christmas carols performed by the Central Academy Middle School Christmas Choir on the doorsteps of the Botetourt County Courthouse. Surrounding the children were numerous luminous Christmas trees sparkling with festive lights. The trees are all provided by local businesses and organizations in association with the Botetourt Chamber.
Santa and Mrs. Claus were also on hand to hear the Christmas wishes of guests both young and old. Food was provided by the Kool Kids Diggity Dogs food truck offering event attendees walking tacos. Friends from First Bank were also on hand providing free hot chocolate in front of the Fincastle branch.
The Clauses sure had a busy weekend. Saturday, the Clauses and several other Botetourt businesses, organizations, schools, and guests participated in the 2024 Fincastle Christmas Parade. Folks lined Roanoke and Main streets as the procession saw an entertaining array of floats occupied by some local friends spreading the Christmas spirit letting everyone know the holidays have officially arrived in Botetourt County.
This year’s parade included participants from Attic Productions, Botetourt 4-H Honey Bee Club, Botetourt 4-H Robotics, Botetourt Breakout Softball, Botetourt County Libraries, Botetourt 4-H Horse & Pony Club, Botetourt YMCA Dance, Central Academy Middle School Cheerleading, Cub Scout Pack 211, Fincastle Baptist Church, First Bank, Galatia Evangelical Presbyterian Church, James River High School Marching Band, Kiwanis Club of Botetourt, Lord Botetourt High School FFA, Lord Botetourt High School Marching Band, Rasnick Family Farm & other farms, Rooted Boutique & Salon, Sinks Septic, Star City Corvettes, Brent Hershey-State Farm, Floyd Ward Dance School, and Farm View B&B.
The 2024 Fincastle Christmas Parade float winners are as follows:
Religious – First Place: Fincastle Baptist Church; Second Place: Galatia Evangelical Presbyterian Church
Traditional – First Place: Floyd Ward Dance School; Second Place: Botetourt 4-H Honey Bee Club; Third Place: Rooted Boutique & Salon
Honorable Mention – First Bank, Harmony Equestrian Center, Farm View B&B
The Tinsel Trail continues now throughout the month of December for self-guided tours. Private tours are also available. Reach out to Bobbie Bowman (540-798-5134 or 540-798-1405) to schedule a date.
The parade season isn’t over yet. The Town of Buchanan hosts its annual Christmas parade at 4 p.m. on Main Street this Saturday afternoon. Additionally, the town’s Festival of Lights ride-through located at Buchanan Town Park lasts now through January 6 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.
