By Jessica Dillon
Hundreds lined the streets Nov. 22 for the Martinsville–Henry County Christmas Parade, the region’s first parade of the season. The event featured more than 100 entries and stretched nearly two hours. Local restaurant owner and former city council member Tammy Pearson served as one of the hosts.
Devin Pendleton, coordinator of Campus Life & Fine Arts at Patrick & Henry Community College, was this year’s Grand Marshal.
“It was fantastic because he was the first gay person that was out and he was the first gay Marshal in our parade,” parade organizer Charles Roark said. “And of course, you know, I always say Devin makes gay look cool, and it was an honor to have him as our Grand Marshal.”
Roark said he had never seen someone more enthusiastic about the parade than Pendleton. “He does parades well. He’s just an incredible guy to host a parade,” he said. Roark added that callers to his local “Buzz Show” shared similar praise: “Devin does it well.”
Roark said two entries stood out as his favorites this year, beginning with Crown Holdings, the parade’s sponsor. He said the company goes “all in,” even renting a professional float.
“It’s a company-wide thing,” he said. “We start preparing in summer and tell them about it, but they really buy into doing this. They know it’s a big community day, and they’re so nice. They have the best attitude.”
He also praised Sovah Health, which is known for its award-winning parade floats and Fast Track booths. This year, Sovah created a Wicked-themed float complete with LED Isis wings and a set designed to mimic the wizard’s room.
“They follow the theme to the key,” Roark said, noting that Sovah suggested the parade’s theme: “Hollywood Christmas Movies.” The most popular movie representation was The Grinch—and one entry even handed onions to the parade hosts.
Roark clarified how parade entry fees are used. “We have to buy insurance and all this kind of thing,” he said. “So we’ve got to cover the cost of it, and the costs continue to rise like everything else.” Restrooms, rentals and other logistics add to the expenses, he said, noting that very little profit is made. “This is a must-see event for our town.”
He thanked the community for its support and shared his holiday wish: “I hope everybody can have a good Christmas.” Weather concerns were among the reasons for the parade’s early date, he added.
