The Dec. 6 “Enjoy the Christmas Spirit All Day in Urbanna” and the 30th annual Hometown Christmas Parade were well-received, thanks to the efforts of several volunteers. “It takes a team of elves to pull this event together,” said Michele Hutton, Town of Urbanna treasurer, who serves as chairman of the Christmas Committee. “A heartfelt thank you goes out to each and every one that aided in making this day so successful,” Hutton said. “We had so much fun; we are going to do it again! Mark your calendar for next year, Saturday Dec. 5, 2026.”
Helpers
Among the many who helped with the holiday event were Dave Lipscombe, Jeannine Rowe, Steve Pugh, Maribel Kimble, Eric Faudree, Debra Smith, Marjorie Austin, Beth Justice, Tammie Putney, Steve Hutton, Nancy Fisk, Angel Rowe, Hutton, and many more.
Marjorie Austin and Angel Rowe organized the Christmas Village vendors. “We appreciate very much all the vendors that did not let the cold dampen their Christmas spirit,” said Hutton.
Eric Faudree helped everywhere. He kept the “LOVE” sign lit, did sound for the pet parade, provided music at the Southside Sentinel’s parking lot, marked the vendor spaces, and various other duties as assigned. “Eric is always willing when you need a helping hand,” said Hutton.
Animals
Red Barn Farms Alpacas and Kaiju Acres Goats “were a hit with the young and old alike,” said Hutton. “We hope visitors took the opportunity to visit and get some photos.”
Nancy Fisk “did an amazing job” with the Pet Parade and Fun Pet Show, that was judged by Virginia Del. Keith Hodges, R-Urbanna. “Delegate Hodges had a tough job; there were so many talented fur babies,” said Hutton.
Businesses
Debra Smith gathered and documented all the restaurant and retail shop specials and giveaways for the event. “The generosity of our business community is appreciated by all,” said Hutton.
Decorated trees
The Festival of Trees was a team effort by Sandra Rudy, the Urbanna Business Association, and the Middlesex County Kiwanis Club. “Mr. A.B. (Arthur Broaddus) Gravatt graciously allowed the use of his beautiful property, Lansdowne, for the trees and everyone appreciates that,” said Hutton. “The work of the many hands, sponsors, and decorators to make the trees shine brightly was appreciated.”
Music
Colonial Singers of Williamsburg performed at the Urbanna Museum and Visitor’s Center.
Jamaica District Supervisor Wayne Jessie again provided music and sound at the Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department, which served food. “He kept the tunes spinning,” said Hutton. “You can always count on Wayne for spreading the joy of the season through music.” (Dec. 6 was Wayne Jessie’s birthday!)
Parade
Among those participating were Grand Marshal Pam Simon, Mayor Bill Goldsmith, and the 2025 Oyster Festival Queen Kallie Robins with Little Miss Spat Blakelee Anderson, all being the guests of honor.
Maribel Kimble handled parade logistics and certificates. Tammie Putney and Mike Longest lined up the Hometown Christmas Parade and kept everyone organized.
Tom Davis, “our famous radio announcer” once again kept the motivation going as the parade entries came by the judges stand.
Parade judges, Christine Branch, along with Nancy and Billy Mayo “had very difficult choices to make,” Hutton said. (See parade results below.)
All the parade entries did an outstanding job, Hutton said. “If not for their creativeness, we would not have a parade.”
The Urbanna Hometown Christmas Parade is the legacy of Lois Jean Brooks, who chaired the parade for 27 years. There is little doubt she would be happy to see how it turned out, Hutton added.
Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department and the Women’s Auxiliary were the hosts for Santa and Mrs. Claus. Cookies and drinks were provided for the children as they visited with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Parade results announced
The 30th annual Urbanna Hometown Christmas Parade top placing entries for the Dec. 6 parade have been announced.
They include:
- Antique Vehicles — #1 Tammie Putney, 1997 Chevy K30 4×4; #2 Melvin Bristow, 1986 Oldsmobile.
- Bands — #1 Middlesex High School Marching Band.
- Commercial Floats — #1 Custom Builder Supply, #2 Dixie Tree Service.
- EMS — #1 Middlesex Volunteer Rescue Squad; #2 Hartfield Volunteer Fire Department.
- Non-Commercial — #1 Fountain Green Farm; #2 Remlik Wesleyan Church.
- Specialty — #1 Middlesex County Public Schools; #2 Middlesex County Public Library.
- Tractor Trailers — #1 C.P. Anderson Trucking; #2 Joseph C. Jones.
- Walking Unit — #1 Boy Scouts Pack 34.
First and second place certificates can be picked up at the Urbanna Town Hall. For information, call 804-758-2613.
