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The grand marshals have been set and the lineup announced for this weekend’s Cumberland Christmas Parade. This year, the family of Robert L. and Betty Gilliam Scales take on that role, with Dr. Jeff Scales, Michael Scales, Rita Scales Mayberry and Patricia Scales all serving. 

The late Robert and Betty Scales were both well-known educators in Cumberland and the surrounding areas. They had four children, the four who will be this year’s grand marshals. 

The oldest of the four, Michael Scales, lives in Cumberland and retired as a Spanish and history teacher from the Richmond Public Schools in 2021. He holds an undergraduate degree from Bridgewater College and a master’s degree from Virginia Tech. Michael, who has one daughter and a grandson, is  a deacon at Bethlehem Baptist Church and sings with the Cumberland Community Choir. He serves as chaplain for the Cumberland Branch NAACP and is also a member of AMMD Pine Grove Project, along with the Cumberland Deacons and Trustees Conference.  

More about the grand marshals

Pat Scales, the second child, also lives in Cumberland. Pat is a lawyer and had a private law practice in Cumberland for a number of years, later becoming the county’s Commonwealth’s Attorney, a position she held from 1995 to 2022 when she retired. Pat graduated with a BS from James Madison University (formerly Madison College) and obtained her law degree (Juris Doctorate) from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William and Mary in 1991.  Pat is active in her church and volunteers at St. Francis Hospital. She also volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, AMMD Pine Grove Project and the Cumberland Education Foundation. 

Jeff Scales, the third child, resides with his wife, Olinga, in Cumberland where they raised three children. After serving as an officer in the military, Jeff began his career in education as a teacher in Cumberland.  He later became principal at Cumberland High School.  He holds a bachelor’s degree from James Madison University, a master’s from Virginia State University and a doctorate  (Ed.D) from Liberty University.  He presently works as a principal with the Virginia Department of Corrections. Jeff is active in his church, the Cartersville Ruritans, the American Legion and many other organizations.  

Rita Scales-Mayberry, the youngest child, works as a legal assistant at a Richmond law firm.  She attended James Madison University where she majored in marketing and business.  She also taught elementary education for several years in Cumberland.  Rita, who is an avid sports fan, is married to Calvin Mayberry and  has three children and two grandchildren.  She is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority.    

A return to a Cumberland Christmas

The parade will return this year on Sunday, Dec. 8, starting at 2 p.m. It will kick off just west of the courthouse area and travel through the heart of the historic village.

For more than 20 years, a group of Cumberland County residents have gathered together and helped assemble the Christmas parade. This year’s edition follows a similar recipe to the past. There will be floats, plenty of music from the Cumberland High Marching Band and kids are guaranteed a glimpse of Santa at the end. There will be no fees for churches who want to sign up and take part. The same goes for school groups, fire and rescue organizations or any type of civic group.

There are two options for people to choose from this year, when it comes to a theme for their float or vehicle. You can either design something focused on Cumberland 1776 – First Call for Independence or Cumberland 2024 – Cumberland Christmas Spirit. That last one is about defining what Christmas Spirit means to you. 

Here’s a look at the 2024 Cumberland Christmas Parade lineup:

1. Sheriff
2. Christmas Parade Banner—2 CHS Football players
3. Grand Marshall-Catherine Harrison driving
4. Grand Marshall-Carter Harrison driving
5. Cumberland CHS Football Team
6. Cumberland CHS Future Farmers of America
7. Cumberland Circuit Court Clerk
8. Cumberland County Public School Foundation
9. Fitzgerald Baptist Church
10. Commissioner of the Revenue—Julie Phillips-Seal car
11. Zirkle Day Care
12. Bear Creek Lake State Park
13. Tommy Blackwell—Antique Truck
14. Billy Pepper—
15. Billy Pepper—68 Ford Mustang
16. Billy Pepper—36 Chevy Sedan
17. Billy Pepper—39 Plymouth Coupe
18. Billy Pepper—36 Pontiac Sedan
19. Billy Pepper—36 Chevy Pickup
20. Billy Pepper—37 Chevy Pickup
21. Billy Pepper—32 Ford Pickup
22. Casey Ingle—Photography
23. Road Runners Lawn Service
24. County Family Pet Clinic
25. Antique Fire Truck—Dan Pempel
26. Cumberland Youth League Association
27. Faron Brown—1989 Classic Car
28. Cartersville Fire Department
29. Fay Martin—Antique Car
30. Fay Martin—Antique Car
31. Fay Martin—Antique Car
32. Fay Martin—Antique Car
33. Charles Hatcher—Medical Unit
34. Marion Bros. Trucking
35. Marion Bros. Logging
36. Virginia Take A Walk With Us
37. John Randolph Fire Department
38. Southside Shriners Club
39. Blanton Car Club
40. Blanton Car Club
41. Blanton Car Club
42. Blanton Car Club
43. Blanton Car Club
44. Blanton Car Club
45. Blanton Car Club
46. Blanton Car Club
47. Blanton Car Club
48. Blanton Car Club
49. Anthony Green Logging
50. David Rose—Antique truck
51. Taylor Motor Co.
52. Taylor Motor Co.
53. Cumberland Volunteer Fire Dept.
54. Cumberland Volunteer Fire Dept.
55. Cumberland Volunteer Fire Dept.
56. Cumberland Volunteer Fire Department
57. Cumberland Volunteer Fire Department
58. Cumberland Volunteer Fire Department
59. Cumberland County High School Marching Band
60. Santa—John Seal