The "beloved Richmond tradition" attracts more than 100,000 visitors every year, and even thousands more watch the parade broadcast on TV (according to the parade's Facebook event page). The page also goes on to say, "For many Richmonders, the parade kicks off the Christmas season. The parade will feature a very special Grand Marshal, holiday floats, marching bands, huge helium balloons, and, of course, Santa himself!" (We did not stay to see Santa...too much standing...we're old, man.)
This was my first year going and honestly I had a BLAST. Even being a bit hungover. Parking is a nightmare I'm sure, but somehow my luck struck again and I was able to get a parking spot near N. Meadow St. on Monument Ave. within two minutes of beginning to look for one. Don't count on my luck though! Get there early!
We were able to get a spot really close to the street with no one in front of us, the people next to us were close to our age and cracking jokes with us the whole time, the children (while not perfect) were well behaved/kept in line by the parents (most of them at least), no floats deflated from getting caught on traffic lights this year (longer video here), and we even got a good laugh as we were leaving when a float basically almost attacked a little girl (it really was funny, not so psychologically scarring or anything...but I have a cold, dark, soulless ginger heart, so maybe it's just me...and my friend).
If you missed the parade LIVE on WTVR-CBS6 on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to noon, you can catch it when it's shown again on Christmas Day. And for all related info, check out their website.
Now check out all my crazy pictures below :) Kermit got REAL up close and personal!
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