The Shadow
Covington, Va. (VR) — Olde Town Covington is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 “An Olde Town Christmas” Parade, a magical celebration that brought thousands together for an evening filled with small-town charm, creativity, and unforgettable holiday spirit.
This year’s parade was a true showcase of the extraordinary talent, heart, and imagination found throughout the Alleghany Highlands. Families; such as the Andrews Family, with their Polar Express train made completely of cardboard boxes; local businesses, civic groups, school programs and clubs, churches, and car enthusiasts all poured their passion into creating a breathtaking procession that celebrated the spirit of Christmas in the most authentic hometown way.
Several floats carried deep meaning and emotion this year, including touching memorial entries from SJ Neathawk and the friends and family of Cheese Clause who has played a key role in our floats for years. Seeing his memory kept alive by family and friends reminds us of the powerful sense of connection that defines our community. From inspiring school participation and dedicated Girl Scout troops, to vibrant church displays and imaginative children’s scenes, the parade was filled from end to end with heart, creativity, and purpose.
The energy along Main Street & Maple Avenue was further brought to life by talented dancers, vibrant car enthusiasts, and the many Grinches whose antics brought laughter to children and adults. We even had the Grinch with a perfectly jolly, extra-round belly and a real-life Max the dog as a reindeer who had the crowd laughing all the way down the street! With fifty one floats, six religious displays, eight marching entries and three horses, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Afton Griffin, President of Olde Town Covington says “This parade and the full day of fun with An Olde Town Christmas was truly a labor of love for our community. The countless hours put in by our volunteers, from the early morning preparations to the final float rolling through, are what make a full day of fun like this possible. This year, we were especially excited to introduce a brand-new Macy’s-style live stream, brought to life by the Virginian Review. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our emcees, CW Smith and Julie Lewis, for bringing professionalism, joy, and holiday magic to the broadcast. With new ideas already in motion for 2026, we cannot wait to continue growing this event for our region.
We want to express our sincere gratitude to our Platinum Sponsors, Smurfit WestRock and Atlantic Union Bank, whose support makes events of this scale possible. A special thank-you goes to Jackson River Community Credit Union and the Kiwanis Club of the Jackson River for their generous contributions and volunteer hours that helped bring this year’s parade to life.
Together, we’re building something incredible for Olde Town Covington and the entire Alleghany Highlands.” For more information on upcoming Olde Town Covington events, please visit our Facebook page or contact our office.
Merry Christmas from Olde Town Covington and thank you for helping us make this year truly unforgettable.
Now, let’s celebrate our 2025 Parade Winners!
Religious Entries
1st – Fincastle Baptist Church
2nd – First Assembly of God, Clifton Forge
3rd – Covington Bible Church
Marching Entries
1st – Soul Rhythm Line Dancers
2nd – Alleghany High School Marching Band
3rd – A1 Studios – Darby’s Dancers
Float Entries
1st – Dominion Energy
2nd – Petticoat Junction
3rd – Three-way tie!
• Alleghany County Sheriffs Department– “Grinch Goes to Jail”
• Bobby Broughman Jr.
• K&M Lawncare
Equestrian Entries
1st- Alleghany High School FFA
