By Debbie Adams
The second annual Parade of Trees is underway on the grounds of the Vinton War Memorial.
The staff of the Vinton War Memorial, the Town of Vinton, and the Vinton Area Chamber of
Commerce are once again sponsoring an entire festival of trees lining the driveway at the Vinton
War Memorial.
Various businesses and organizations in the town have decorated trees for the annual display.
Visitors may drive past or step out of their cars and walk through the arches to see the individual
trees.
They can also pay a visit to Santa at selected times.
Santa and Mrs. Claus, and one of their elves made their first visit to the event on December 2 and
greeted a steady stream of children and their families all morning, who were carrying wish lists
for Santa. At one point the Clauses took a stroll through the Parade of Trees out to Washington
Avenue and waved at passers-by.
and their elf visit with a family at the Vinton Parade of Trees at the Vinton War Memorial. Santa
will return on December 10 and 20.
In addition, Santa’s guests were treated to cookies and hot chocolate, and could make their own
s’mores.
presenting a Christmas wish list to Santa, children are invited to make their own s’mores.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be returning to the Parade of Trees on:
- Sunday, Dec. 10 from 1 to 3 p.m.
- Wednesday, Dec. 20 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Businesses and organizations who decorated trees in the parade include D.R. Music, GRV
Renovations, GFWC Vinton Woman’s Club, Southwest Virginia Pride/Flowers by Eddie, The
Connor Group, the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce, the Vinton History Museum,
HomeTrust Bank, the Vinton Breakfast Lions Club/William Byrd High School Leo Club,
MemberOne FCU, Firehouse Skate ‘N Play, Pretty Paws, Downhome Creamery, and the Town
of Vinton staff.
Sponsors for snacks with Santa at the Parade of Trees include hot chocolate from HomeTrust
Bank, Pinnacle Bank, Mountain View Realtors, and the Town of Vinton. S’mores supplies were
donated by GRV Renovations, Firehouse Skate ‘N Play, Downhome Creamery, and Southwest
Virginia Pride/Flowers by Eddie. Pretty Paws, Mountain View Realtors, the Town of Vinton,
and Aphrodite Spa and Salon provided the cookies.
Be sure to stop by and visit Santa and tour the Parade of Trees. Drive by at night when the lights
are on—it’s spectacular!
