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Sunday, November 23, 2014

2014 Mocksville Christmas Parade - You Never Know What You Might See!

2014 Mocksville Christmas Parade Features Huge "Turkey!" © Katrena
November 24, 2014 was a picturesque day for a parade. No rain. No snow. No bone-chilling winds. Well, it might have been below 70 degrees, but a Christmas parade is supposed to hint a little toward December, right?

Big Boot in 2014 Mocksville Christmas Parade © Katrena
My two older girls were torn – they wanted to ride on a float but also wanted to collect candy as spectators. They somewhat reluctantly decided to charge their younger sister with candy duty so they could ride the float and still enjoy goodies after the parade.

Beautiful Military Dog and Veteran in 2014 Mocksville Christmas Parade © Katrena
Since there was a bit of travel gridlock around the park, we decided to watch the parade from a completely different area. Folks had lined Main Street, but there were plenty of open spots in areas along the route.

Association of Teacher Assistants in Mocksville Christmas Parade © Katrena
It's kind of funny that for all these years, we thought the Mocksville Christmas parade didn't have much candy. We watched the parade from downtown near the oak trees...I think lots of folks riding through have already tossed most of their stash before they even arrive near the shops, because our little one sure kept busy collecting goodies this year. One sweet man who was standing beside picked up candy and decided to deposit it in her bag too...I think I like our new spot!

Mary and Joseph in Mocksville Christmas Parade © Katrena
Parades are such a fun tradition, a time when the family can enjoy being together, or at least see one another as they ride by. I have some friends from school that I only see in person on parade days, so it can be a nice day for connecting with friends too.

Eleanor Frye, 94 Years Young, Rides in Mocksville Christmas Parade © Katrena
A parade can be an educational opportunity too. A towing company carried a badly wrecked car with a message not to drink and drive. I explained to my 7-year-old what the sign meant...I hope she will make wise choices when she gets her license to drive some day.

Sonic Hot Dot in Mocksville Christmas Parade © Katrena
One might also learn about businesses, churches, and more in the area. Some folks passed out business cards or coupons. One group collected canned goods as they came through. Quite a few service personnel can be found riding in the parade. We often take these folks for granted. Their positions are manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends, holidays, and days when the weather is less than ideal.

Bagpipes and Drums in 2014 Mocksville Christmas Parade © Katrena
The Mocksville Christmas parade used to be in December, but they've moved it earlier and into November. We used to have to choose between Mocksville and Cleveland since they had parades at the same time on the identical date, so the earlier date is better for us.

My Youngest Made Friends With These Folks & Their Cute Dog Before the Parade © Katrena
It also gives more time to enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights and downtown Christmas shopping. Mocksville decorates their Main Street in full holiday splendor around Christmas, even lighting up the four oak trees at the square.

Tractor in Mocksville Christmas Parade © Katrena
Davie County has lots of classic cars, offering free car shows at the Cruise In during warmer months. Many of those cars are also in the Christmas parade. I also recognized quite a few tractors from the tractor parade in July.

4-H Float in Mocksville Christmas Parade © Katrena
I've tried to include a mix of photos in this article. As you can see, some of the entries this year were quite unique and unusual. The element of surprise can be so much fun at a parade! The theme for this year's parade was "Let It Snow." It was no surprise that many folks chose a "Frozen" theme.

Frozen Themed Float with Dancing Olaf, Sven, Elsa, and Anna © Katrena
Thanks so much for checking out my Travel NC With Kids blog!

Horse with Pink "Toenails" in Christmas Parade © Katrena

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2014 Mocksville Bed Race Showdown and Pictures on November 21
2014 Tanglewood Festival of Lights Throwback Night Dates
North Carolina New Year's Eve Drops May Top Many Unusual Lists

See Vintage Cars in Mocksville © Katrena

Friday, November 21, 2014

2014 Mocksville Bed Race Showdown and Pictures on November 21

2014 Mocksville Bed Race Team Runs 2nd Fastest in Memory of Cathy Riddle © Katrena
WXII Teams in Mocksville Bed Race - Blue Team Runs 4th Place © Katrena
The four oaks were ablaze with Christmas lights on November 21, 2014 as the air began to cool in downtown Mocksville, North Carolina. A large crowd lined Main Street as folks were ready to see this year's showdown. The Village People, Police Officers, and others were gathered and ready with their beds.

YMCA Village People Bed Race Team - Most Outrageous © Katrena

Police Department Team at Bed Race in Davie County © Katrena
These teams were not preparing for a long winter's nap...they were getting ready to blaze down and up Main Street, beginning and ending under the four oak trees that were dressed and shining with beautiful Christmas lights.

2014 Mocksville Bed Race - Fun Christmas Themes © Katrena

Mocksville Bed Race and Tree Lighting on November 21, 2014 © Katrena

A lone Minion sauntered by, inviting folks to dance. A few teams began warming up by jogging up and down the street. Perhaps a few of those warming up were sizing up the competition. My family has watched the race each year, and event keeps growing. Some of those teams have competed each year as well. Would their prior experience give them the edge?

Camp Manna Bed Race Team © Katrena

Autumn Care Bed Race Team © Katrena
I'm always on the lookout for fun family activities, and the Mocksville Bed Race has not disappointed. Even though the temperatures were dropping quickly, I think lots of other folks thought it would be worth the wait as well.



Having Fun at the Mocksville Bed Race on Main Street © Katrena


WXII has 2 Teams Competing in 2014 Mocksville Bed Race Competition © Katrena
 This year's teams offered quite a variety of themes. Many were colorful and unique. Some had lights. One looked like a canoe while another included an IV bag! One team ran in memory of Cathy Riddle. Although the official rules dictate some basic bed design, they leave lots of room for creativity and fun.

Christmas Bed Race in Mocksville NC © Katrena
Building Blocks Team has Fastest Time in 2014 Mocksville Bed Race © Katrena
The Bed Race not only awards the three teams with the fastest times, they also recognize the team with the slowest time, most outrageous theme, and the team the judges deem most creative. The competitive nature of many teams kicked in as most were going for the coveted fastest time. Several children also participated in a separate race as well.

WXII News Crew Covers Bed Race in Davie County NC © Katrena
Christmas Lights on in Downtown Mocksville NC © Katrena
When I wrote about the race in 2013, I predicted that the WXII news crew might be back to compete again this year. They not only came, but they brought two teams, a morning crew and the evening crew. All of the teams made good runs. Even if a few parts flew off. Even if some teams were short a pusher or two, they all made the mad dash down the block and back and were still breathing at the end!

Of course, many folks who lined the street tonight will come back again tomorrow, November 22, to see the Christmas parade at 2:00 p.m.

Additional Articles
Thanks so much for visiting Travel NC With Kids!

Sunday, November 16, 2014

2014 Mocksville Christmas Parade and Bed Race Dates and Times

Mocksville Hometown Christmas Parade Date and Time
Mocksville's Main Street will see lots of holiday action in mid-November as the third annual Once Upon a Bed Race and the Hometown Christmas Parade take center stage. Here are the 2014 dates and times:

Event
2014 Date
Start Time
3rd Annual Twas the Night Before Bed Races
Friday, November 21
6:00 p.m.
Hometown Christmas Parade
Saturday, November 22
2:00 p.m.

If you have never seen the bed race, it is quite a unique event. Pairs of teams rush a person in a bed down Main Street and back to the starting line. Those with the fastest times face off against one another. The team themes are often quite quirky. I particularly enjoy seeing the Christmas lights along Main Street. They even light up the huge four oak trees at the square – folks can see them miles away.

The parade attracts quite a crowd as the town gathers to see a nice mix of entries. Make sure to bring a bag as some people toss out candy. Our weather has turned cooler than normal. Yea, I know my relatives in Wyoming are laughing right now, but to me anything under 60 degrees warrants a jacket. Many Mocksville shops will offer holiday hours – shopping at local merchants can make a difference in the lives of folks within the community.

Additional articles
Thanks so much for visiting my Travel NC With Kids blog. If you are looking for fun activities, including free scavenger hunts, you might also wish to check out my Wildflower Bouquets blog. I've also created lots of free flash cards and trivia games on my Student Survive 2 Thrive blog.

Saturday, November 8, 2014

2014 Heroes & Horses in Downtown Salisbury NC

Heroes & Horses
Heroes & Horses Parade on November 7, 2014
It was 5:00 on a Friday evening. November 8, 2014 to be official...a crisp fall afternoon when the red maples were ablaze and the golden ginkgo trees were gently dropping their delicate fans near the bell tower in the heart of Rowan County.

Horse Parade for Veterans in Salisbury NC
Most folks would be headed home from work at a time like this, ready to move full speed ahead into the weekend. But several folks in Downtown Salisbury, NC had something entirely different on the agenda.

Stacey Carter and Captain Jack
They were preparing for the Heroes & Horses event to honor Rowan County veterans. Some families set up chairs. A veteran from the Marine Corps refused an offered ride from a police officer riding a go cart as he displayed a continued strong and dedicated spirit despite using a walker as he walked down Fisher Street to enjoy the event.

Rowan County Veterans Honor Guard
The Rowan County Veterans Honor Guard was donning white gloves as they prepared to march proudly displaying the American, North Carolina, and MIA/POW flags. They say veterans have a special bond, an undying camaraderie for fellow veterans for life. This group goes beyond that in providing military rights at funerals as well.
Time to Visit Downtown Salisbury

Heroes & Horses Parade in Rowan County

The parade started at 5:30 on November 8, 2014. Spectators proudly placed hands over hearts and cheered as the color guard approached. I hope all of the veterans know how much they are appreciated!
Best of Show in Heroes & Horses Parade - Appaloosa & Paint Mix
Honor Veterans in Salisbury NC
My kids smiled as they heard Captain Jack, one of the horses in the parade, whinny to call folks to attention before the event. The equestrian participants in the Heroes & Horses event were quite festively decorated!

Heroes & Horses Parade on Fisher Street
One carried a full sized American flag while small American flags peeked out from under saddles of others. Red and blue ribbons were woven and tied on manes and tails.

Horse Dressed Like a Unicorn
My kids thought the "unicorn" horse was really cool, while one horse would have looked right at home at the Renaissance Festival. A few horses even pranced on sparkly hoofs!

Patriotic Horses with Lights
A few horses were ready to ride off into the sunset as they carried lights in addition to riders on their backs. The parade continued for two blocks down Fisher Street to the parking lot across from the Norvell Theatre.

Taking Care of Business at Heroes & Horses Parade
Organizes were prepared for the dusk and impending darkness with large lights in the parking lot and small lights that lined Fisher Street as the horses would return back up the street at 7:00 p.m. They were also prepared for a few other things that go along with live animals.

Meet & Greet Horses & Their Owners at Heroes & Horses Event
The National Anthem was sung and the honor guard sold raffle tickets for a quilt during the event. The horses lined up in a semi-cirlc and buckets were placed in front of each. I think the horses might have been a tad bit disappointed that the buckets were empty!

Downtown Salisbury Veterans Event
Participants were given a map that included downtown Salisbury shops that had discounts and/or ribbons for the horses. Quite a few shops were open late that evening. We visited quite a few shops and were greeted by friendly shop owners who offered ribbons for the various prizes for voting on the horses, including gentlest, cutest, silliest, best mane & tail, bravest, most patriotic, and best in show.

Downtown Salisbury Shopping
Shops Open Late in Downtown Salisbury NC
Of course, my kids also made friends with some of the dogs that accompanied the shop owners, such as the two beautiful ones behind the counter in Critters Cards & Gifts. This event provided a great opportunity for us to check out some Christmas gift ideas while we were collecting ribbons to place in those empty buckets by the horses. I noticed Fine Frame Gallery featured a photo of the owner's relative who was in a rodeo and also a framed American flag. My kids thought the "Candy Man" was mighty cool in The Candy Shoppe, and they would have loved to have stayed much longer in Gueens Gifts and Curiosities!

See Beautiful Horses in Rowan County
But we needed to get back to vote! We wanted all of the horses to win – they were all beautiful, amazing, and friendly. The horse owners let my kids pet each of the horses and many told us about their personalities and fun and interesting information about the animals. It was obvious that the horse owners had put a good deal of time and effort preparing for this event.

Fun Family Activities in Rowan County
Fun November Activities in Rowan County
My family actually knew a couple of the people participating in the event, like Stacey Carter, who offers Heart Centered Horsemanship workshops and many equine programs. She works with a variety of populations and regularly whispers to horses...then listens for them to answer!

A Horse with Sparkly "Toenails"!
Many thanks to the folks who helped to make this event possible. I thought it was a great idea and my family thoroughly enjoyed the parade, honoring our veterans, checking out the local shops, meeting the horse owners, and choosing their favorite horses for the contest.

Additional articles
Thanks so much for visiting my Travel NC With Kids blog!