On Sunday, December 4^th, the Westmoreland State Park staff participated in the first Warsaw, Virginia “Tractors, Trucks & Toys” Christmas Parade to be held in over forty years.

The parade theme was “Christmas Wishes”. Westmoreland participated in the float division by creating a log cabin complete with smoke rising out of the chimney, lit Christmas tree, and porch light. The float also had a fire ring with log chairs occupied by children roasting marshmallows. No winter cabin scene is complete without a tree, snow and lots of wildlife critters. The float trailer was skirted in pine garland and two staff members wearing Santa hats led the parade in front of the Park police vehicle carrying a banner advertising the Westmoreland Winter Open House. The highlight of the float entry was the mascot, Daniel C. Raccoon who walked the parade route handing out candy canes, wowing the crowd and posing for pictures with the many people who lined the parade route. He was accompanied by Park Manager Ken Benson in full dress uniform waving to the crowd and welcoming them back to the recently reopened Park.

Daniel the Raccoon leads park staff in the parade

Children along with Park Manager, Ken Benson roasting marshmallows

It was a great experience for the entire staff as the exercise fostered creativity, camaraderie, and teamwork. The parade also served as a great promotional tool for all of Virginia State Parks. Other entries included monster trucks, modern and antique tractors, historic automobiles, and many other floats representing a diverse group of organizations. The parade was led by Santa on his sleigh and the tail end of the parade was represented by none other than the famous Clydesdale horses pulling the Budweiser beer wagon. The horses were outfitted with jingle bells and the wagon had a Christmas tree tied to the top, driven by men in full uniform accompanied by the iconic Dalmatian.

Clydesdale horses pulling the wagon at end of the parade

The Warsaw Richmond County Main Street Program partnered with WNNT and WRAR to sponsor the parade and support their Christmas Wishes initiative collecting toys/donations for needy families. The event was broadcast live from the Times Square Shopping Center in Warsaw.

 The Open House is for everyone...you're invited!

Westmoreland park staff and Daniel the Raccoon

And, oh by the way, Westmoreland State Park took home the first place trophy in the float division – “Santa’s Best”!

Don't forget to stop by the Helen and Tayloe Murphy Hall in the park this Sunday, December 11th from 2 p.m.- 6 p.m. We want to open our house to the public and invite you in for an afternoon of refreshments and holiday music to get you into the Christmas spirit. Chat with family and friends and enjoy holiday stories told by park staff. There will be holiday crafts, programs for kids and door prizes!

Call the park for more information (804) 493-8821.