December 9, 2016
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VIRGINIA — The James River Advisory Council, JRAC, confirms its plans to hold the 24th Annual Parade of Lights tomorrow night, despite the large marina fire in Eastern Henrico County today that resulted in the loss of many boats.
Kim Conley, executive director of JRAC, said that even though there may be fewer boats than were originally registered, JRAC members and the boating community still want to be supportive and participate in this annual holiday event, despite the catastrophe that occurred today.
“This will not stop us from having a great parade for the community,” said Parade Chairman Max Walraven.
Conley and Walraven also expressed their sympathy to the boating community, particularly those who lost their boats.
The Parade of Lights is a free event that will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10, 6-9 p.m. From 6,000-8,000 people are expected to gather at the viewing sites to see the boats and enjoy the holiday entertainment.
The Richmond Region viewing sites include Libby Hill Park, Osborne Park and Boat Landing, Dutch Gap Boat Landing and Henricus Historical Park. The parade follows a 14-mile parade route from City of Richmond to the Varina-Enon Bridge. The boats gather at 5:45 p.m. in the Rocketts Landing area where there will be a countdown to the illumination at 6 p.m. The parade will end at approximately 8:30 p.m. at Henricus Historical Park.
For more information about viewing times and other entertainment at the sites, visit https://jrac-va.org/ .
