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The clock’s counting down to the final Christmas parade in this region, which will happen this coming Sunday, Dec. 15 in Pamplin. The town got a gift this time around, to make it easier for people to register and take part. Thanks to a donation from Rodney and Donna Lawson, the owners of Fire and Safety Equipment Company, all registrations for this year’s parade are free. 

“They are really interested in helping Pamplin prosper and grow,” said Pamplin Mayor Sarah Blackwell. “We had only about 20 registrations so far this year and I wasn’t sure if the fee was a deterrent or if people were possibly nervous about rain, but in an effort to help increase participation, they offered to cover the cost of the registrations.” 

Money taken from the registrations allows the tiny town to be able to pay for trophies for the winners in each category. Last year, the final number of floats and other parade entries totaled more than 40. Now as for this year’s parade, it’ll take place on Sunday, starting at 4:30 p.m. The parade will start at the old Pamplin Elementary School on Church Street. Then it loops onto Main Street and eventually returns to the school. And yes, there is the threat of rain.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the National Weather Service gave a 65% chance of showers Sunday afternoon and possibly Sunday night in the Pamplin region. Blackwell said there isn’t a makeup date in case it does rain, as the town had to get the road closures approved by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and make sure there were enough police available to work traffic. Both of those details had to be completed months ago, she pointed out. You can still sign up to take part in the parade, free of charge, by contacting the Town Office at 434-248-6514. 

A market day in Pamplin 

That’s not the only thing taking place Sunday in Pamplin. The Pamplin Christmas Market will be running from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the town’s Depot, located at 115 Main Street. Santa will be on hand after the parade in the Depot Freight Room, listening to children give their wish lists and taking pictures with them.