By Matt de Simone
Christmas has returned to Fincastle for a festival of lights until the end of the Christmas season.
Last Friday, the second annual First Bank Tinsel Trail opened in historic downtown Fincastle. The community enjoyed over 40 trees decorated by Botetourt businesses and organizations.
The proceedings commenced with the Mennonite School choir singing Christmas carols as visitors began to make their way through the festive lights illuminating this year’s trail. Members of the Botetourt County FFA helped lead the visitors through the trail.
“We couldn’t have done this without the sponsorship of the bank, our local businesses, and the community for their support,” Botetourt Chamber of Commerce Director Khari Ryder said at the beginning of the opening ceremonies.
“First Bank continues to believe in and support many things in the community, including our Chamber of Commerce and to support (the Tinsel Trail) and the Town of Fincastle,” First Bank President Scott Steele said before the tree lighting. “I want to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and welcome to the First Bank Tinsel Trail.”
The Kyle House was home to many local vendors, including artist Mark Woodie, artist Vera Dickerson, writers Rebecca Boone and Cathy Dudley, and others selling their wares to visiting guests. Guests were also treated with a chance to speak with Santa as he continued preparing his inventory list of gifts for the Botetourt community.
The Tinsel Trail will be open throughout December for self-guided tours. Many downtown activities will be taking place throughout December.
