The Shadow
HOT SPRINGS — Al-though it was a cool and damp Saturday in Hot Springs, the weather didn’t dampen the spirits of parade-goers as they gathered to watch the fourth Christmas parade in the Alleghany Highlands this season.
The 2018 edition of the Hot Springs Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Hot Springs Volunteer Fire Department, went on with the theme of “Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”
There were over 40 entrants registered for the parade, but due to the wet conditions, several entries did not attend.
Just like those that attended, the entrants that did attend the parade put their Christmas spirit on full display.
Among those were the veterans of Hot Springs VFW Post No. 4204, who led the parade and received a loud ovation and thanks for their service.
Another staple of the Christmas parade that brightened the spirit of the attendees was James “Cheeze Claus”?Smith, who made several youths happy by distributing toys.
To conclude the parade, Santa Claus himself was escorted down Main Street courtesy of the Hot Springs Rescue Squad.
Bath County Treasurer Pamela Webb was pleased with how the event turned out, in spite of the cool, wet weather.
“Even though we had rain, still an amazing turnout. So glad everyone braved the weather,” Webb stated after the parade.
Another parade organizer, Janet Bryan, also had positive remarks about the 2018 Hot Springs Christmas Parade.
Bryan said, “This year the weather was a little dreadful, so we were short on entries, but what we had we appreciate. We want to thank everybody who came out and supported us.”
The following parade entrants received winning honors Saturday:
— First Place Drilling Unit: Hot Springs VFW Post No. 4204;
— Best Appearing Band:?Bath County High School Marching Band;
— First Place Sports Car:?Jr. Miss Bath County Cameron Keyser;
— First Place Truck:?Home Oil;
— First Place Antique Vehicle: Tom Plecker;
— First Place Adult Novelty:?Chimney Run Church of the Brethren;
— Second Place Adult Novelty: Bath County United Methodist Church;
— First Place Youth Novelty:?The Hairstyle Shop;
— Second Place Youth Novelty:?Miss Bath County Natalia Matos-Solare;
— First Place Decorated Float: Summit Bank;
— Second Place Decorated Float: Bath Community Hospital;
— Gentlest Horse: Hannah Groves/J.C. Mc-Laughlin;
— Best Mannered Dog:?Pat Haynes;
— Best Appearing Farm Tractor:?2018 Bath County Christmas Mother Karen Williams;
— Best Appearing 4-Wheeler:?Bath County Sheriff’s Office;
— Best Appearing Rescue Squad:?Millboro Area Rescue Squad (MARS);
— Best Appearing Fire Truck:?Millboro Fire Department;
— Longest Distance Traveled-Fire Truck:?High-land County Fire Department;
— Best Overall Entrant:?Summit Bank.
Other parade entrants were Hot Springs Fire Department, The Southern Rail Express (D.J. Willie), Hot Springs Rescue Squad, Clifton Forge Police Department, Mountain Grove Fire Department, Rockingham Redi Mix, Scott Hill, Jerry’s Wrecker Service, Falling Spring Fire Department, Virginia Department of Forestry with Smokey the Bear, Rock-bridge Regional Library System Bookmobile, BARC.
