The first of two big holiday weekends in Gloucester and Mathews counties kicks off Saturday with the 2021 Gloucester Main Street Christmas and Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting.

The parade starts at 3 p.m. at Main Street Center, continuing past the colonial courthouse and ending at Botetourt Elementary School.

“We have 50 entries: seven local churches, youth groups, schools, school groups, seven local businesses, a horse club, two car clubs and a motorcycle group, GHS Marching Dukes and GHS ROTC,” said Denise Carter of Gloucester Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

“As always, the ‘real’ Santa will arrive in Gloucester in time for the parade and the GVFR will chauffeur him down Main Street,” Carter added.

Among those featured in the parade will be the Page Middle School Select Ensemble, who will be performing along the parade route, as well as at the tree lighting at 5 p.m.

This year’s tree lighting is at a new location. Instead of inside the court circle, the tree has been p...