Find the Golden Ticket in Old Town!

Friday, October 30, 2009

In the 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, a young boy finds a golden ticket that, at the very least, wins him a chance to tour the most fantastic candy factory imaginable. A tour of what was once Old Town, Manassas’ candy factory might not be as wunderous to a youngster these days, so Historic Manassas, Inc. has come up with a better idea. Beginning Tuesday, November 3, the Merry Old Town Chocolate Bar will go on sale at participating merchants in Old Town Manassas.

One of these milk chocolate bars contains the Golden Ticket. The lucky child (or adult!) that finds the Golden Ticket will win the opportunity to be Santa’s guest on his float in the 64th Annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade. A parent or guardian will be able accompany the winner if necessary.

Once again sponsored by Northwest Federal Credit Union, the 64th Annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade will begin at 10am on Saturday, December 5. The parade starts on Mathis Avenue and continues down Center Street in Old Town, lasting approximately two and half hours. Over 2,000 participants including floats, marching bands, costumed characters and the Redskins Band will be marching in the parade! Volunteers are still needed for the parade. To volunteer or learn more about the parade, visit the official website at www.gmchristmasarade.org.

The official Merry Old Town season kicks off the night before the parade. On Friday, December 4, Santa arrives in Old Town at the historic train depot via the Virginia Railway Express at about 6pm. Listen to the holiday voices of the Prince William Chorale, and Christmas Swing sung by Manassas' own Jason Paul Curtis on the steps of the Manassas Museum. Then watch as Santa and Mayor Parrish light the Old Town Christmas tree, take a free hayride around Old Town, and give the kids a chance to tell their wishes to Santa at the Harris Pavilion gazebo. The Manassas Museum will also be conducting their Annual Holiday Open House from 5PM until 8:30PM offering free admission, holiday entertainment and refreshments.

Merry Old Town celebrations continue even after the parade, when the merchants of Old Town will be hosting their Annual Merchants Open House on Sunday, December 6 from 12pm to 5pm. Enjoy refreshments and a special appearance by Santa while you gaze upon the many entries in the Annual Gingerbread House Contest that will be on display in the Old Town shop windows beginning December 1. You can vote for your favorite entry in the store or on-line at www.visitmanassas.org. Free horse-drawn carriage rides will be available from 1:30-4PM on this day, as well as Sunday, December 13. For complete information about Old Town, including more holiday events, shopping and dining visit www.visitmanassas.org.