The Christmas Planning Committee has submitted our lodge’s application to the Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce to participate in this year’s annual Christmas Parade. One of our brothers has kindly offered the use of a Deuce and a Half (M35 2½-ton cargo truck) for the occasion. This iconic WWII-era vehicle is sure to captivate children with its impressive size and resonate with our veterans, who hold great pride in their service to our country. Parade line-up starts at 2:30 PM on Luray Avenue, with the procession beginning at 4:00 PM.
The parade route will proceed along Luray Avenue, continue onto West Main Street to East Main Street, turn left onto Chester Street, and then right onto East 3rd Street, concluding at the Warren County Government Center. Be aware that the parking lot at the disbanding area often becomes crowded. To avoid the congestion, we will drive directly back to the lodge via North Commerce Avenue after the parade. If anyone wishes to stay downtown to enjoy the rest of the parade or wait for Santa’s arrival at the tree lighting, we can drop them off at the end of Main Street on the way back.
Thanks to various brothers helping to prepare, we’ve secure a Christmas tree to decorate and a few battery-operated lights for both the tree and the vehicle. Brothers are asked to meet at the lodge at 12:00 PM on parade day, Saturday, December 7th, to help with decorating. We will open up the social hall to serve cookies and hot cocoa. Families, friends, and the public are welcome, and we encourage everyone to assist in the preparations and bring an ornament.
One of our brothers has secured 40 pounds of candy to distribute to children along the parade route. To ensure safety, candy must be handed directly to children to prevent them from running into the street. For the best safety practices, please walk close to the sidelines while distributing. Brothers have the option to either ride in the truck or walk alongside it. The entire parade route, including the line-up area, spans roughly a mile. While the staging area features a gradual incline, the remainder of the route is level once you reach Main Street.
Anyone participating is agreeing to the following waiver:
Waiver: As a participant in the Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade, I, the undersigned, do hereby assume the risk for participating on behalf of myself and for the other participants included as part of this entry. It is further agreed and understood that in no case will I or any such participants make any claims against the Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce, its officers, directors, employees, the County of Warren, the Town of Front Royal, other parade participants or other duly assigned parade officials or assistants. I have read the general parade rules and regulations on the reverse, and take full responsibility for my entry adhering to these rules.
The rules can be found on the Christmas Parade application attached:
This parade is one of the largest events in town that gets bigger every year, showcasing our community’s unique small-town charm. Last year’s event featured 141 units and lasted 79 minutes. The local media posts a video each year of the entire parade on various social media sites with commentary at the Judges panel. Alongside the parade, there will be a Merry Market at the town square opening at noon, offering vendors, food, activities for children such as face paintings, and plenty of holiday cheer.
Of course, the highlight for many is the grand finale: Santa Claus himself will make his appearance at the end of the parade. Santa comes back after the parade for the tree lighting at the Gazebo with the mayor in the town square.
Judging for the parade will take place at the Chester & Main Street turn, where we may perform for up to 30 seconds, or simply drive past. The planning committee has a few suggestions, and will run them by the participants at the Lodge on the day of the parade.
There is plenty of time to enjoy the festive atmosphere and brethren may walk around and enjoy the festive atmosphere with their families. The chamber offers free carriage rides where you may see one of our brothers volunteering their time to assist.
We hope to see all our brethren and their families join us for this exciting holiday tradition. Let’s represent our lodge with pride and spread some holiday cheer to our community!
- Saturday, December 7
- 12:00 PM: Decorations & Hot CoCo at Lodge
- 2:30 PM: Lineup on Luray Ave
- 4:00 PM: Parade Kick-off
- 5:30 PM: Lodge / Disband
- 6:00 PM: Tree Lighting
Unity Lodge No. 146 
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