Fredericksburg’s ‘Reverse Christmas Parade’ set for Saturday
The annual Fredericksburg Christmas Parade will carry on this year, but it will be a little different than usual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Saturday, the Fredericksburg Christmas Parade will make its annual return to the streets of Fredericksburg but at a new location in Celebrate Virginia South. The area’s largest holiday tradition will also have a new twist and follow a reverse format for the public’s health and safety.
City staff has redesigned the traditional parade into a Reverse Parade format. Floats will be parked in place and stationed along Gordon W. Shelton Boulevard. Everyone is invited to attend free of charge, and all people who wish to attend are required to drive by in vehicles. It will be similar to a free drive-thru light display. No pedestrians will be permitted. The public is encouraged to arrive anytime between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Driving at 5 mph, the route will take approximately 20-25 minutes, and will conclude with Santa and his sleigh, just as in years past.
“This reverse parade format will allow for spacing between parade entries and no direct contact with the public,” said Kim Herbert, Supervisor of Special Events with the City’s Parks, Recreation & Events Department. “We realize this is an unusual way to hold a parade, but the health and safety of our participants and the public takes top priority. This year’s event is certainly a must-see, because next year we plan to bring it back to downtown for 2021 in the traditional format that we all know and love.”
The City of Fredericksburg worked closely with all City departments to format the parade in a safe and enjoyable experience. This year’s theme is “Light Up the Season!” and 40 floats are preparing to bring their decorations and twinkle lights to brighten the night and everyone’s spirits.
Special thanks to this year’s parade sponsors for all of their support: B101.5, WFVA, Shiflett’s Waste Services and Paul’s Bakery.
Information on where to find the drive-thru and who is on this year’s parade lineup is available here. For more information, please call Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation and Events at 540-372-1086.