20th annual Lynchburg Village Christmas a success

This year marked the 20th annual Lynchburg Village Christmas, and it has grown both with vendors and attendance.

This year's event organizers, Bill and Angie McTague, owners of the Lynchburg Antique Mall, wonder if this is what Jan Dean and her daughter-in-law, the original organizers, had in mind when they started 20 years ago.

"This year we had 43 vendors, the most in the history of the event," Bill said. He estimates that more than 500 people visited the village over the two-day period.

The McTagues count all those who enter their store. However, some visitors may have been missed and then there are some people who don't go to every store or vendor. So, McTague thinks that over 500 people is a conservative number.

The Mctagues would like to thank all the vendors who participated this year and all of the sponsors of the carriage rides. The sponsors included: Tom Pitzer Trucking, Davis-Turner Funeral Home, Rammel Poured Walls, Terry's Grocery, Hamilton Insurance and Roger, Judy, Pam and Taylor Turner.

"Without their support, this event could not happen," Bill said. "Unfortunately, the rain over the weekend prevented the carriage rides from taking place. But they will return next year with the generosity of the sponsors. Also, we want to thank Southern Hills Coummunity Bank in Lynchburg which donated a 32-inch flat-screen TV again this year.

"And last, but definitely not least, we want to thank the managers of the Lynchburg Commons, Dan and Sharon McCloud, for all of their help in putting on this event. They also served sandwiches, chips and a drink to everyone who came in – free of charge. It is their way of saying Merry Christmas to the community."

"We look forward to seeing all of you again next year," the McTagues said.