Christmas in the Square

Holiday event will feature parade and more Dec. 5 in Glade Spring
GLADE SPRING, Va. – Up and down the Town Square, folks are again saying “Seasons Greetings” in a big way.
Continuing a tradition launched last year, businesses and individuals are lining sidewalks and streets of this railroad town with giant Christmas cards.
Dirk Moore, the president of Project Glade, a community organization, invented the Christmas card idea as a way to draw attention to local businesses and help build economic development in Glade Spring.
This year, the cards go up on Dec. 5 and stay on the streets through Christmas, Moore said.
“The purpose of the event? To bring together Glade Spring area residents in activities celebrating Christmas and the accomplishments of and blessings to the community,” Moore said.
The town’s parade on Dec. 5 kicks off at 7 p.m. with parade marshals Tara Taylor and Marcus Lynch. The event also includes a ceremonial “lighting of the tree,” Moore said.
“On this evening, participants in the festivities will be featured [with] choral music from area church choirs and other choral groups, a visit from Santa sponsored by the Glade Spring Fire Department, and refreshments and treats provided by area organizations, including the Glade Spring Volunteer Life Saving Crew,” Moore said.
Throughout the month of December, the square will be decorated for Christmas, Moore said.
The highlight of those decorations will be several two-by-four-foot Christmas cards created by individuals and organizations in the community, Moore said.
“Last year, 18 cards were featured in the medians of Town Square,” Moore said. “This year, organizers hope for at least a dozen more.”
But wait – there’s more.
Project Glade, also, recently received a grant to fix up the town’s old bank building, built circa 1895, and use it as a business incubator, said Melissa Dickenson, the secretary for Project Glade.
“The group which has organized these events,” Dickenson said, “is comprised of local citizens who want to make a difference in the town.”
IF YOU GO
What: Christmas in the Square
Where: Glade Spring Town Square
When: Christmas parade starts at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at Glade Spring Middle School and ends in the Town Square.
Details: Features tree lighting, luminaries, caroling, extended business hours
Info: (276) 429-2111