Yes, it's that time of year again! Westmoreland looks forward to homecoming, football and fall festivals.
Westmoreland State Park is 2 for 2 as staff and members of the Friends group participated in the Colonial Beach High School Homecoming parade and the Montross Fall Festival parade.
The park brought home the big "W" for the float contest, where approximately 60 entries competed in the parade.
Westmoreland’s float consisted of a trailer with a hand-built replica of a CCC-style log cabin surrounded by hay bales, mums, and pumpkins. Several plush wild animals were strategically placed on the cabin. Even Park manager, Ken Benson’s kids, Matthew and Conner, sat around a simulated campfire roasting marshmallows in front of the cabin. The float was pulled by Benson in the Park Police truck, while the world's largest and friendliest raccoon (our mascot) stood in back waving to the crowd.
Daniel C. Raccoon greets onlookers as they parade through the streets of Montross.
Park Manager, Ken Benson's kids, Conner and Matthew, participate in the parade each year.
Time and enthusiasm dedicated into preparing the park float for this event was pretty obvious. Staff members, family and volunteers all smiled and cheered the entire way. Benson and Assistant Park Manager, Steve Davis, believe in the importance of working together with the community, showing their support, while enjoying themselves during community events. By attending the local homecoming and festival parades each year, Westmoreland staff hopes to demonstrate that the park isn't only a place that cares about the environment, but also cares about the community and the people surrounding it.
The Colonial Beach Homecoming parade ended at the high school with a pep rally for the football team.
The next parade Westmoreland plans to attend will be the Warsaw Christmas Parade coming December 4, at the Rappahannock Community College. Come out and see the award winning float or even participate by volunteering alongside of the Friends group. The park looks forward to another fun event and great competition...and of course any opportunity to meet new friends and support the local community!
Be a volunteer, get involved and get outdoors! Call the park (804) 493-8821 for more information on the next parade, volunteer opps or any upcoming events next time you visit the park.
