Celebrating A Small Town With A Big Heart in Support of NBIA Research & The Haymarket Regional Food Bank
Haymarket, Virginia, August 30, 2010 — Parade, crafts, great foods, trolleys, choo-choo train, ponies and more…. What else could you ask for to make a great Haymarket Day celebration? How about singing by Elisabeth von Trapp, granddaughter of famed Maria & Baron von Trapp and music by the United States Navy Band – The Commodores. Also, this year the Parade’s very special Grand Marshall is young Brittany Leap, a Haymarket teen who suffers from NBIA (Neurodegeneration Brain Iron Accumulation). “We are very pleased to have Brittany as our Grand Marshall”, said Pam Stutz, Mayor of Haymarket. “In this way we are able to raise awareness of NBIA and the ongoing need for NBIA research and research funding.” (See www.queenbeeworld.com)
The one half square mile town of Haymarket, Virginia bursts forth every year on the third Saturday of September. The main street is closed to traffic for the day and following a country style parade, town residents and visitors alike can walk down the center of Washington St. enjoying good food, juried crafts, music, friendly vendors and the enjoyment of good neighbors.
Around town there will also be drop-off points for food donations to the Haymarket Regional Food Bank. “We are very happy to have the opportunity to do some good while having a fun event at the same time”, says Gene Swearingen, Town Manager of Haymarket. Mr. Swearingen is instrumental in the planning process for the day. He and Mayor Pam Stutz lead a team of town staff and volunteers who organize the event.
More than 1,600 people across 45+ community organizations will participate in the parade. Awards will be given for Best Float, Most Original Float, Best Performance, and Mayor’s Choice. After the parade, local businesses display their wares, local restaurants offer Haymarket culinary delights, music groups, D.J.s, dance groups, clowns and people fill the streets. As a special treat following the parade, the United States Navy Band, the Commodores will provide great musical enjoyment to the crowds. Elisabeth von Trapp will join the Commodores for a special “Sound of Music” song dedicated to Brittany Leap, followed by solo performance of her favorite music and songs.
“I want to thank all of the volunteers who make this possible each year.” said Mayor Pam Stutz. “We are particularly pleased this year to support NBIA research and the Haymarket Regional Food Bank while offering a small town celebration in a friendly family atmosphere. I have been fortunate enough to experience over and over again that Haymarket truly is a Small Town With a Big Heart.”
About Haymarket
Haymarket, founded in 1799, is an incorporated town in Virginia, lying in the western portion of Prince William County. Haymarket encompasses one half square mile and has a population of 1,250. Haymarket is replete with history and sits on the 175 mile historical trail, Journey Through Hallowed Ground, which runs from Gettysburg, Pa. to Charlottesville, Va. The Town of Haymarket is governed by a Mayor and Town Council consisting of six members. www.townofhaymarket.org
About Spend The Day in Haymarket
Spend The Day in Haymarket is a local awareness campaign targeted at making people aware of Haymarket retail and business offerings, as well as the delightful atmosphere of this small historical town. Local businesses have joined together in this initiative to increase awareness and participation in Historic Haymarket.
For additional information contact Kim Ingalls, Director ‘Spend The Day In Haymarket’, P.O. Box 546, Haymarket, Va. 20168; phone 703 201 2098; email kimingalls@haymarketoldtownecentre.com.
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