Lake Ridge Santa Parade kicks off WinterFest 2016 on Dec. 10

Organizers for Occoquan River Communities (ORC), a not-for-profit focused on promoting and celebrating the Occoquan River region as a premier destination, have announced the events for the second annual WinterFest celebration on Dec. 10.

The day begins at 11 a.m. with Santa’s Lake Ridge Parade – a Comic Book Christmas – on Harbor Drive in Lake Ridge, and concludes with a spectacular fireworks display at approximately 8-8:30 p.m. sponsored by the Prince William Marina. 

Other venues hosting activities include the Tackett’s Mill Center, Town of Occoquan, the Workhouse Arts Center, the Occoquan Regional Park and Hoffmaster’s Marina. Attendees will be able to partake of free hot chocolate at all venues and Santa will make multiple appearances, beginning with his arrival by firetruck at the parade.

ORC president Betty Dean was quoted as saying in a press release, “Each of the participating venues is planning activities that feature unique offerings.  ORC’s role is to facilitate coordination of the event and promote it to the public.  It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the best of the winter season and show off the amazing variety of things to see and do throughout the ORC region.” 

Nancy Kyme, ORC board member and organizer of the Santa Parade added: “This year’s parade is going to be even bigger and better.  We’re still accepting applications from groups, schools, etc. who want to march or enter a float in the parade – and many of our winners from last year will be returning to defend their trophies.”

The day’s agenda will be as follows (all events take place on Saturday, December 10, 2016)

Harbor Drive in Lake Ridge, 11a.m.-noon: Santa’s Lake Ridge Parade

Tackett’s Mill Lakeside, 12:30 p.m. - Parade awards ceremonies

Tackett’s Mill Lakeside, noon – 3p.m. - Holiday Arts Market

Historic Occoquan, 3-7 p.m.. -  Evening shopping, marshmallow roasts, kids’ crafts, restaurant specials, caroling and more

Workhouse Arts Center, 6-9 p.m.. - Second Saturday Art Walk, carriage rides, fire pits, caroling and more

Occoquan Regional Park, 7-9 p.m.. - Fireworks viewing* with free parking, hot chocolate and more

Hoffmaster’s Marina, 7-9 p.m. – Fireworks viewing* with free parking, hot chocolate and more

Look for more activities to be added. added.  For updates and more information go to Occoquan River Communities’ Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/OccoquanRiverCommunitiesLLC/

Entry forms and participation details for Santa’s Lake Ridge Parade can be found at: http://tackettsmill.com/lake-ridge-santa-parade/