A series of holiday events taking place throughout Victoria, Kenbridge and Lunenburg will display holiday cheer and draw attention to important causes.

The Lunenburg Christmas Parade will begin Friday, Dec. 8, in Victoria, with the lineup beginning at 6 p.m. and the parade beginning at 7 p.m. According to Lunenburg Chamber of Commerce Secretary Trudy Berry, the deadline to enter a float for the parade is Dec. 1.

Last year’s parade took place in the Town of Kenbridge and featured representatives from Victoria Fire & Rescue, parade Grand Marshal 75th District Delegate Roslyn Tyler and of course, Santa Claus.

During a meeting by the Lunenburg Chamber of Commerce Thursday, Victoria Mayor Carol Watson said she will ask area businesses to include white candles by the windows, where she said they will represent those affected by recent nationwide tragedies, citing shootings that have recently affected members of First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, and Las Vegas, and recent hurricanes that have affect Puerto Rico, Florida and Texas.

“With what’s been going on in the world,” Watson said during the Thursday meeting “and in our council meeting the other night, we talked about all of the shootings and the hurricanes … and I thought we wanted everybody to know that Victoria cares.”

Watson said the candles could be present at the businesses beginning during the night of the parade and stay through the holiday season.

“I felt like it was a little showing that we had a heart and that we cared about what was going on all-around us,” Watson said.

To learn more about the parade or to sign up to participate, Watson recommended contacting Vickie McDaniel, secretary and events coordinator with the Town of Victoria at (434) 696-2343.

Just on the heels of the Christmas Parade, participants can also look forward to the return of the annual Small Town Christmas Event in the Town of Victoria, taking place Saturday, Dec. 9.

Town Manager Rodney Newton said events for Small Town Christmas are being finalized by the town, and will have additional information about all of the features next week following the Thanksgiving holiday.

Area residents and businesses also have the opportunity to demonstrate their holiday flair during the Christmas Decorations Contests for Businesses and Homes.

Berry said participants can pick up entry forms to submit their businesses and home decorations to Mildred’s Meals in Kenbridge, and Uptown Coffee Café, and Victoria Restaurant in Victoria in addition to area libraries, post offices and banks. She said participants can also download forms at www.lunenburghamber.org.

Berry said business winners will be selected on Dec. 7 and home winners selected on Dec. 15.

For storefronts, according to the entry form, applications must be submitted by Dec. 5 at 4 p.m. and for homes, by 4 p.m. on Dec. 8 by email at info@lunenburgchamber.com or in person at Gallion-Elder Insurance on 1703 Main St. in Victoria.

This article was corrected from its original version.