15th Annual Christmas On MacArthur To Benefit Toys For Tots CONTACT: Charles McGuigan at charlesmcguigan@gmail.com What: Christmas On MacArthur and Santa Parade When: Saturday, December 14, 2019, 10 am to 3 pm Where: 4000 Block MacArthur Avenue, Richmond, VA 23227 Get a head start on holiday cheer with Christmas on MacArthur, a day of family fun that benefits Toys for Tots. Christmas on MacArthur has become one of the largest single donors in Central Virginia to Toys for Tots—the U.S. Marine Corps annual toy drive. What’s more, every toy donated locally is given to a local child in need. Mark your calendars, the event will be held from 11 am till 3 pm on December 14. Parade starts at 11. Appearing live on the MacArthur Avenue stage directly after the parade will be The Neons, 12:15-12:30; Amy Henderson, 12:45-1:15; Sun Against Artemis, 1:30-2:00; and The Melbays, 2:15-2:45. The massive professional stage the musical artists perform on comes courtesy of Main Stage Productions and Lee Johnson, a close friend of Jimmy Tsamouras of Dot’s Back Inn and Demi’s Mediterranean Kitchen. Christmas on MacArthur kicks off with the Santa Parade at 11 am down the center of the 4000 block of MacArthur Avenue. Bill Bevins and Jessica Noll, of WTVR Channel-6, will emcee the parade. Among the participants in this year’s parade are Jonathan the Juggler, students of Holton Elementary, cadets of Franklin Military Academy, Colonel David Hudson, Dr. Nikea Hurt, Richmond police and firefighters, U.S. Marines, and, of course, a visit from St. Nick. He’ll be listening to kids’ Christmas wishes throughout the day, following the parade. Christmas on MacArthur also offers great holiday shopping opportunities. Scores of vendors will be on hand with their handmade arts and crafts, all locally made, one-of-a-kind products, which make perfect Christmas gifts. None of this would be possible without the hard work and commitment of Colonel David Hudson, Dr. Nikea Hurt, Holton Elementary, Franklin Military Academy, the Bellevue Merchants Association, Jimmy and Daniella Tsamouras of Dot’s Back Inn and Demi’s Mediterranean Kitchen, Erin Wright of Little House Green Grocery, Mike LaBelle of Restoration Carpentry, Charles McGuigan of North of the James magazine, Chris and Cecelia Rich of Rich’s Stitches, Bob and Vera Kocher of Once Upon A Vine, Teri Phipps and David Schieferstein, Amy Foxworthy and Josh Carlton of the mill on MacArthur, Vickie and Tre Hall of Stir Crazy, Bobby Shore and Rich Richardson of Decatur’s Garage, Joe and Brenda Stankus of Classic Touch Cleaning, Larry Brown, and scores of other volunteers too numerous to name. This event is sponsored each year by the Bellevue Merchants Association, North of the James magazine, Holton Elementary School, and Franklin Military Academy. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE AS A VENDOR AT CHRISTMAS ON MACARTHUR, PLEASE CONTACT TERI PHIPPS AT (804) 310-7710, or EMAIL HER AT FireweedRVA@gmail.com PLEASE DO SO IMMEDIATELY, AS SPACE IS LIMITED.