Christopher Hudert danced along the sidewalk in front of the Valentine Richmond History Center, oblivious to the light rain.
He carried a yellow umbrella, but that seemed more a prop than a means to keep the raindrops from falling on the red derby on his head.
Dressed as a clown, 8-year-old Christopher helped people celebrate the 24th annual Court End Christmas in downtown Richmond.
Sunday afternoon's rain didn't dampen the holiday spirits inside some of Richmond's most prominent historic sites, which were opened free to the public.
"It's a day to celebrate downtown and celebrate the history of the city," said William J. Martin, director of the Valentine.
But Christmas traditions were also on display at the afternoon extravaganza. At St. Paul's Episcopal Church on East Grace Street, people viewed tabletop Nativity scenes, created homemade Christmas cards and decorated sugar cookies — a favorite among the children.
This was the second year the church participated in Court End Christmas, a way to let the community know St. Paul's is more than just a religious building downtown.
The Rev. Kate Jenkins referred to Court End Christmas as a ministry of welcoming.
"It's a way for us to welcome the community .
Inside the Valentine, some of Richmond's oldest Christmas traditions were in full swing.
The lovable Snow Bear posed for pictures with children (and those still young at heart), while the Richmond Christmas Mother, Mrs. Philip J. Bagley III, introduced the William F. Fox Elementary School choir.
"Over the past 76 years, through the Richmond Christmas Mother's fund, Richmonders have been giving to others of our Richmond family who are less fortunate, bringing them the spirit and magic of Christmas," Bagley said.
Few were probably as excited to see Snow Bear — a symbol of the old Thalhimers department stores — as Mechanicsville resident Hilliary Turner.
Turner carried around two small Snow Bears, one from her childhood and another she found at an antiques shop in Lakeside. When Turner met the real Snow Bear inside the Valentine, she said she felt she was 5 again, before posing for a photo with the iconic bear.
"I have followed Snow Bear, since I was probably a year or two old," Turner said. "When we would go to Thalhimers, I was scared to death of Santa Claus. When Snow Bear would come into the room, I'd chase him all over thinking he was the greatest thing ever.
"I still think that."
jslayton@timesdispatch.com
(804) 649-6861
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement