A Christmas parade was held from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, as well as a plethora of festivities at Courtland Festival Park in Appomattox.

In attendance at the Vintage & Artisan Merry Market were many vendors whose items were at the festival for the first time and some for many years. People of all ages were in attendance for the festival and were spectators and participants in the parade.

The parade started on Main Street and featured Amherst Dance Academy; Bust A Move Dance Academy; the American Red Cross; the Department of Conservation and Recreation (Virginia State Parks); Appomattox, Pamplin and Red House firemen, the K9 Academy and more. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus were seen at the end, waving to the crowd as children shouted, “Merry Christmas!”

Spiritual music could be heard a few blocks away, as Stanley Baker's New Beginning Gospel Singers serenaded the crowd on the park’s stage that was decorated with Christmas inflatables and other decorations. McKinley Cardwell, a local entertainer/singer, was a featured singer during the county's Experience the Holidays event as well.

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