Middleburg has a secret Santa comes out at Christmas time. And like a heart, this life is not readily evident to the casual viewer.

Come out to the Middleburg Christmas parade, and you will witness the magic of Herbert, commercial real estate broker and former volunteer parade chair from 2005-2019, more than 80 elements in the 1.5-mile-long parade represent the heart of the town. These elements represent the horse farms and fabulous homes. These walkers, farmhands, horse trainers, firefighters, musicians, students, chefs, estate cart workers, and more perform this annual ritual since the mid-1970s. Their participation makes the town iconic and ensures its mystique and beauty continue to enchant.

Starting with Dee Dee Hubbard in the 1980s, the parade has been held annually, except for 2020, due to the pandemic. It is always the first Saturday in December; this year, it takes place on December 3.

According to Jim, the core of the celebrations is it first a Christmas message event, which distinguishes itself from a typical commercial/retail event. Visitors come to witness an authentic expression of life in Middleburg at the core values of our community, he says. "It is the blossoming and blooming of the heart of our town."

One of the most memorable moments for the event was an unexpected blizzard that day in early in the morning of the parade to go over logistics and the weather. Jim recalled in 2016, the parade had its largest turnout due to an incredibly successful pre-event media blitz. PowerMagazine, Condé Nast Magazine, Garden and Gun Magazine, Northern Virginia Magazine, and even a mention on the Today Show by Matt Lauer generated tremendous interest. About 22,000 people. With the temperatures hitting 60 degrees that day, there was nothing to deter the crowds.

"While this number was too many–the sidewalks are not wide enough, and there are only so many places to move around town to the other– the event was well-received, but we learned our lesson in terms of feasibility," he adds.

During Jim's leadership in 2011, the parade became a 501-C3 non-profit organization, of which the town is a strategic partner.

Currently, the volunteer leadership of the event is in the hands of Michelle and Doug Myers. They own both a home services business and an administration services business.

They started helping Jim in 2019 and 2021 and took over the reins in 2022. They intend to maintain the accessible, small-town, family-friendly atmosphere embodying the Middleburg spirit.

According to Michelle, most of the valued families, are returning as well as three specialty horse bands Loudoun Valley, Aldie, and Banquet.

"New this year will be the first element, a large band and wife duo, the Anderson family, the Piedmont Driving Club."

They will hopefully fill a void.