The first Saturday in December is always special in Middleburg, and this year was no exception.

"Christmas in Middleburg" celebrations began, as usual with mounted foxhunters and hounds parading down the main street of the village.

At 2:00 PM the annual Christmas Parade, with Santa himself as Parade Marshal kicked off.

The weather was spectacular.

The crowds large and enthusiastic.

The growing number of significant events of national stature held in Middleburg has also served to fine-tune the village's approach to event management.

Thanks and Kudos to Jim Herbert, Chairman of Christmas in Middleburg, the Middleburg Business and Professional Association, host of volunteers, residents, friends, and fans of Middleburg, without whom a truly iconic holiday spectacular would be impossible.

The riders and masters of hounds, as always, were magnificent, not only for volunteering their time but for the outstanding horsemanship and control exhibited under conditions both unusual and difficult.

Our elected officials and Town Staff, as always, are among the most supportive and most effective.

The work of Middleburg Police Department, law enforcement officers from the State and County get better every year . . . and they start at a very high level of both dedication and competence.

Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season to all . . . and once more, thanks!