Christmas parades Saturday
By JOE L. HUGHES II Ledger Staff Writer joe@gaffneyledger.com

Gaffney and Blacksburg are making final preparations to hold their respective Christmas parades Saturday.

The two parades, which are traditionally held on different dates, are bucking that trend this year with Gaffney's lineup beginning its march down Limestone Street at 10 a.m. and Blacksburg kicking off its celebration at 3 p.m.

"There is definitely a lot of anticipation, but we still have a lot of work to do," Gaffney parade coordinator Pat Throneburg said. "We are still receiving entries from people hoping to participate in this year's parade and expect to get a whole lot more before we close things out on Friday."

This year's Gaffney event is expected to be similar to last year's. But, Throneburg said, details can make a difference.

"It may not be much, but we have had more participation this year than in previous years," she said. "We have a lot of people chipping, in giving of their own time to help us with this event."

Some of those participating in this year's parade include the Broad River Leatherneck Marine Corps League, members of the local National Guard and the Gaffney High School ROTC, in addition to a number of local dignitaries. This year's lineup is expected to include at least 95 floats.

"I am more than grateful for the assistance from everyone," Throneburg said. "It is quite encouraging."

Parade-goers can visit the Michael Gaffney cabin or walk into Gaffney City Hall to take a look at the Festival of Trees from 9 a.m. until noon Saturday. The Gaffney Visitor's Center will also be open for an extended period of time during the parade.

The Blacksburg Middle School and Blacksburg High School bands will provide live entertainment for Blacksburg's event, which will feature Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Budweiser No. 8 car, several fire trucks and floats, as well as Kris Kringle himself.

"Christmas is a favorite time for us, especially the kids, and we want to be sure to get everyone involved," said Debby Mullinax, Blacksburg parade coordinator. "With visits from Santa and entertainment from a slew of other sources, this is shaping up to be quite a parade."

Mullinax asks that paradegoers not dress as Santa. If parade participants plan to distribute candy, they are asked to do so while walking instead of throwing candy from moving vehicles.

"We do not want anyone to possibly get hurt," Mullinax said.

For more information on Gaffney's Christmas festivities, call Throneburg at 487- 6244.

To obtain information about Blacksburg's parade, call Mullinax at 839-2332.