The 12 Days of Christmas … Day 8: Celebration of Holiday Lights in Staunton’s Gypsy Hill Park

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Everyone loves the lights of the season so pile the kids in the car and head to Staunton’s Gypsy Hill Park “Celebration of Holiday Lights.” Drive around the two-mile loop and gaze, ooh, and ahh over the dozens of Christmas displays set up by area organizations. Each year tens of thousands of vehicles take part in this holiday treat. Open daily now through the New Year, the lights will be on from 5-11 p.m. offering a delightful treat for young and old.... (continue reading here)

Staunton's Gypsy Hill Park in the snow

 Staunton's Gypsy Hill Park is the heart of the city with 214 acres for recreational use by residents from miles around. The two mile drive is used by walkers, hikers, joggers, bicyclists, and rollerbladers.  Its amenities include swimming, golfing, playgrounds, volleyball, baseball fields, picnic shelters, basketball courts, tennis courts, football field, duck pond, and baseball field for the Staunton Braves.

 Playground ...

 ... swimming pool ...

 ... Gypsy Hill Express mini train ...

 ... duck pond.

 The Gazebo is busy during summer months with free community concerts and outdoor movie nights.

The trolly stop at the park offers a place to park free of charge and ride the free trolly around Staunton. Even if you don't get off, you'll enjoy taking it for a tour of the area.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
Gypsy Hill Park - Staunton, Virginia
January 24, 2014

The 12 Days of Christmas ... Day 5: Celebration of Holiday Lights in Staunton's Gypsy Hill Park

Everyone loves the lights of the season so pile the kids in the car and head to Staunton's Gypsy Hill Park "Celebration of Holiday Lights." Drive around the two-mile loop and gaze, ooh, and ahh over the dozens of Christmas displays set up by area organizations. Each year tens of thousands of vehicles take part in this holiday treat. Open daily now through January 5, the lights will be on from 5-11 p.m. offering a delightful treat for young and old.

Better still, park the car and walk around the duck pond in the cold night air and give the kids a chance to stretch their legs.

In what has become an annual tradition for many, 2013 represents the ninth year for the ever-popular displays with the magical glow of thousands of twinkly lights that can be seen around the Gazebo, duck pond, playground, ball fields, and open spaces. Particularly touching is the herd of deer on the grounds of the Gypsy Hill pool, lighted in memory of loved ones.

This year the Celebration of Holiday Lights will stay up through January 5, 2014, from 5-11:00 each evening. This event is free and presented to the community with help from the Staunton Parks and Recreation Department. See you at the park!

Photos from past years:  Christmas in the Valley ... Gypsy Hill light display

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell

Staunton's lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer ... and Tastee Freez

Staunton residents won't have to endure another Fourth of July holiday without their beloved Tastee Freez that had sat for years at the western end of Gypsy Hill Park. It will be reopened sometime in April or May, according to the Staunton News Leader.

That's good news to many in the area. When Tastee-Freez closed in 2010, locals were left ice cream-less on those hot days in the park, walking the loop or playing volleyball or participating and watching baseball games. It was especially missed during the annual Fourth of July celebration that brings thousands to the park for the parade, entertainment, vendors, and fireworks. Now the cold treats, burgers, and fries will once again be a part of family outings in Staunton.

Gypsy Hill pool closed ... pump struck by lightning

The timing of a lightning strike that knocked out Staunton's Gypsy Hill Park pool pump came during some of the hottest days of summer. A storm passing through the area a week ago caused the problem that is now being worked on by contractors.

Meanwhile, steamy residents looking for a way to cool off in the summer heat have a few alternatives. When my children were young, a group of home school moms would meet at various places during the summer which provided swim and friend opportunities for our children, and we moms got to visit as well. Some places we used to go:

- Todd Lake in northwestern Augusta County
- Sherando Lake in southeastern Augusta County
- Goshen Pass in Bath County
- Swimming pool at Natural Chimneys in northwestern Augusta County

Stay cool and enjoy the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer in the Valley....

4th of July in Staunton 2011

American flags against the Shenandoah Valley sky.

Fireworks in Gypsy Hill Park will take place at 10:00 Monday night, July 4, 2011.

If you're looking for a good old-fashioned 4th of July celebration, look no further than the SWAC area for displays of American flags, bunting, fireworks, and picnics celebration America's Independence Day.

Staunton's America's Birthday Celebration committee has the lineup of events for Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday including fireworks Monday night. Monday morning at 10:00 is the annual 4th of July parade in the park. Come on out and join us in the Valley for the 4th!  Activities are located in Gypsy Hill Park and centered around the Gazebo (Bandstand Stage). Vendors, food, arts and crafts, and carnival will be available.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Sunday
11 a.m. — Community Worship Service conducted by the Rev. Luke Smith
12 p.m. to 3 p.m. — Terry Barrett, Faithful Praise, Greater Love
3 p.m. — Break
5 p.m. — Ivan Parker with special guests Jeff & Sheri Easter and Charlotte Ritchie

Monday
7:30 a.m. — Firecracker 5K Race
10 a.m. to noon — Parade
Noon — Children's Hour
1 p.m. — Texaco Country Showdown
2:30 p.m. — The Last Minute Band
5 p.m. — Wild Horse Band
7 p.m. — The Rhondells
10 p.m. — Fireworks

More events for Independence Day:

Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia:
Free admission on July 4th for this hands-on outdoor museum located in Staunton. Stop by to see interpreters on the various farms-- England, Ireland, Germany, Western Africa, and American -- and talk with them about a way of life at a different time in history.

Green Valley Book Fair:
Open Saturday, July 2, through Sunday, July 17, from 9 am until 7 pm daily, the Book Fair offers thousands of books in all categories at 60-90% off retail. I-81 to Exit 240 in Mt. Crawford (north of Staunton).

Massanutten's Summer Jam:
Sunday, July 3, at Massanutten Resort east of Harrisonburg. Lots of summer fun, entertainment, food, and more. $25 per person.

Monticello:
For the past 49 years, Independence Day has had a special meaning at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello estate as they celebrate with their Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony. This year 77 people from 44 countries around the world will stand on the West Lawn and become U.S. citizens at 9:00 a.m. Go to the website for more information for this free event.

First Annual Oak Leaf Bluegrass & Mountain Music Festival:
The grounds of Luray Caverns will host this first ever event along the Shenandoah Music Trail with a full weekend lineup of entertainment on July 2 through July 4. Check out the website for information on prices, camping, and musical groups who will be performing.

Wintergreen 4th of July:
Head for the higher altitudes for a Fourth of July Jubilee with wine tastings, fireworks, arts and crafts, scenic chairlift rides, and much more family fun.

Humpback Mountain Farmstead:
On Sunday, July 3, on the Blue Ridge Parkway six miles south of Afton Mountain, join Dixie Pride from 2-4 p.m. for entertainment on the farmstead.

Staunton's Old Fashioned 4th of July:
With a full weekend lineup of music and entertainment, Staunton's Gypsy Hill Park is the place to be for American Independence Day celebrations. See the complete lineup here ... and don't forget the annual parade Monday, July 4, at 10:00 a.m.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

Stonewall Brigade Band 2011 Summer Series in Gyspy Hill Park

For over 100 years, the Stonewall Brigade Band has been playing at Staunton's Gypsy Hill Park Gazebo, providing free entertainment throughout the summer for locals and guests.

Begun in 1855 as the Mountain Saxhorn Band and popular throughout the region, the band joined up with General Stonewall Jackson in 1861 as part of his Shenandoah Army. The history of this group is fascinating.

The weekly concerts in the park tradition continues beginning this Monday, June 6, at 8:00 p.m. Concerts are held regardless of the weather except for severe electrical storms. A sweater may be advisable for cool evenings, and sometimes a can of bug spray helps. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, kick back under the towering oak trees, and enjoy Broadway show medleys, music from Virginia composers and arrangers, and more. It's an historic experience ... music under the stars.

Stonewall Brigade Band Concert

Monday June 6, 2011

D-Day Anniversary

8:00 P.M.

Season Opener

8:15 pm Dedication of the Concession Stand at the Bandstand

and donation of the building to the City of Staunton

 A project of the Rotary Club of Staunton-Augusta County, with donations from countless citizens and organizations in the area.

MARCH:The Billboard	Klohr	conducted by Bob Moody
OVERTURE: Chant and Jubilo	McBeth	conducted by Bob Moody
MARCH: The Motorist March	Louis Rich arr. Feldbush	conducted by Bob Moody
SACRED: Assurance	John Ness Beck	conducted by Ray Hoaster
ON BROADWAY: Jersey Boys	Billy Joel	conducted by Bob Moody
LATIN: A Bit of Beguine	Richard Fote	conducted by James Taylor
D-DAY TRIBUTE: Taps for the Fallen Brave	arr. Greg Moody	conducted by Bob Moody
FEATURE: Where No Man Has Gone Before	arr. Bocook	conducted by Bob Moody
VIRGINIA COMPOSER: Band of the Shenandoah	Randy Cabell	conducted by Bob Moody
POPULAR: Feelings	Albert	conducted by Bob Moody
POPULAR: Meet The Flintstones	Barbera	conducted by Bob Moody
MARCH:The Thunderer	Sousa	conducted by Bob Moody

Directions from I-81 exit 225. At the bottom of the ramp go west on VA 262. (Left if on I-81 N. Right if on I-81S) Follow 262 past 3 cross streets and take the Churchville Avenue exit. Get into the left lane at the botton of the exit onto Churchville Avenue (US 250) and turn left. Follow 250 East/Churchville Avenue into Staunton. After you pass the first traffic light, watch for the Tastee Freez on your right and turn right on the street at the end of their parking lot. Take the first left. This takes you into the park where you will have to turn right onto the park drive. Follow the park drive to the bandstand area. (At the "Y" in the road stay to the left.) Parking is allowed on both sides of the road for concerts. Lawn chairs are suggested.

Directions from I-81 exit 220. When you take exit 220 you are on VA 262. Take the 4th exit for Parkersburg Pike. Turn right at the end of the exit ramp. As you cross the city limits, this becomes West Beverley Street. Turn left onto Thornrose Avenue at the 3rd traffic light. As you pass Grace Christian School this street curves to the right. Just past the curve turn left into Gypsy Hill Park or park on the street and walk in. In the event that construction on West Beverley has this way blocked, turn left at the first light on Grubert Avenue, go up the hill and take the first right on 3rd street. Follow this to Circle Drive and turn left. This brings you out on Thornrose Avenue. Turn left on Thornrose and proceed to the park as above.

Staunton oasis closes

For years the Tastee Freez on Churchill Avenue adjoining Staunton's Gypsy Hill Park was an oasis for park visitors especially during the hot summer months. The annual Fourth of July celebration in the park saw the Tastee Freez parking lot overflowing with visitors stopping for ice cream and hamburgers, and locals would frequent the restaurants throughout the year.

In December the Churchill Avenue location as well as one on West Beverley Street seemed to change hands and turn into an MJ's Burgers and Shakes with a temporary sign covering the Tastee Freez sign ... for a few weeks. Then the permanent closed sign showed up at both locations and residents were questioning what had happened.

Today's story in the Staunton News Leader tells the rest of the story....

Staunton Independence Day Parade ... photos 3

(From left to right)
Staunton GOP Chair Alex Davis, Rep. Bob Goodlatte, Anne Bell, Del. Dickie Bell

Stepping out along Staunton 4th of July parade route while passing the swimming pool.

Watching the parade ...

... in Gypsy Hill Park.

Joy (right) was handing out candy to spectators.

Greeting spectators.

Handing out candy ...

Republican volunteers walking ahead of the float.

Volunteers waiting at a lull in the parade.

Herb shakes hands and thanks a veteran as his wife Jan follows carrying "Lady Liberty," the puppy while Peggy looks on.

SWAC Daughter, Joy, and Kelsie ... volunteers extraordinaire ... handing out candy.

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
3 July 2010

Staunton Independence Day festivities in Central Shenandoah Valley

It's a Smalltown USA Independence Day celebration in Staunton, Virginia, with a parade, entertainment at the Gazebo in Gypsy Hill Park, crafts, food vendors, and fireworks on Saturday, July 3.

Free rides on the miniature Gypsy Hill Express train will be the highlight for some children on Saturday and Sunday, July 3 and 4.

Boy Scout Troop 30 will hold a Flag Retirement Ceremony Saturday at 5:45 p.m. If you have an American flag you would like to retire, it may be dropped off at the America's Birthday Celebration tent.

Saturday morning will kick off with the Firecracker 5K race at 7:30 a.m. followed by the parade at 10:00 in Gypsy Hill Park with patriotic floats, Uncle Sam, politicians, and folks from the community.

Immediately following the parade, entertainment will begin at the Gazebo and continue throughout the day. All are encouraged to carry lawn chairs and plan to relax and listen while munching on funnel cakes and other goodies from the food vendors.

Saturday night's highlight at 8:00 will be the United States Navy Band "Country Current," a country-bluegrass music ensemble formed in 1973 and featuring seven members.

Entertainment Gypsy Hill Park (most take place at Gazebo):

Friday, July 2 ...
3 p.m. - Senior Bingo

Saturday, July 3 ...
12:00 Noon - Children's Showcase
1:30 p.m. - Colgate Country Showdown
3:00 p.m. - Last Minute Band
4:00 p.m. - Greater Love
5:45 p.m. - Boy Scout Flag Retirement Ceremony
6:00 p.m. - Glen Shelton
8:00 p.m. - U.S. Navy Band "Country Current"
10:00 p.m. - Fireworks from Tams Lake in the Park

Sunday, July 4 ...
Noon - Borders for Christ Teen Event (Skate Park)
4:00 p.m. - Vesper Service
5:00 p.m. - Annual Ivan Parker concert with special guest Brian Free and Assurance

*I'm proud to be an American.*

Memorial Day ... friends and neighbors at Gypsy Hill Park

Staunton business owner Barth Berry served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Many thanks for his service.

POWs and MIA ... you are not forgotten.

Closing song of Memorial Day service.

He saw quietly beside his owner through the program.

Patriotic chairs, clothes, hats ... people showed their American pride.

SWAC Husband talks with Lyn Bing.

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
31 May 2010

The media covered Memorial Day....

Ken Slack with NBC-29 out of Charlottesville/Waynesboro was at Gypsy Hill Park.


Staunton News Leader editor Dave Fritz was on photographer duty at Gypsy Hill Park.

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
31 May 2010

Memorial Day Service ... Staunton, VA ... Gypsy Hill Park Bandstand

Veteran from Staunton, Virginia.

Posting of Colors by American Legion Post 13. Stonewall Brigade Band members in background.

Veterans from local VFW & American Legion Posts.

The Army chair made me wonder if he was an Army veteran.

Staunton, VA

The program listed the presentation of floral wreaths by various chapters.

Some of the wreaths that were presented to honor fallen heroes.

Presentation by American Legion Post #13 and Auxiliary.

Wreath presentations. They were the ones who helped put this annual program together.

Keynote speaker Rev. Joel Thornton, Bethel Presbyterian Church. His message was uplifting and a reminder to never forget the cost of freedom and those who paid the price, and to remember every day the sacrifices given for our country.

Cole Boylen sang the "National Anthem" in a voice that must have made the angels smile. Nice job, Cole.

Air Force veteran SWAC Husband as "America" was being sung.

The red poppies were scattered throughout the crowd.

In Flander's Field
by John McCrae

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow,
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky,
The larks, still bravely singing, fly,
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead.
Short days ago,
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved and now we lie,
In Flanders Fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe
To you, from failing hands, we throw,
The torch, be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us, who die,
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow,
In Flanders Fields.

Many thanks to those who made this annual event possible including Master of Ceremonies Ray Houser (truly the voice of Staunton for 50+ years), the Stonewall Brigade Band, Cole Boylen who sang the National Anthem, Sara Traylor who led the Pledge of Allegiance, Rev. Steve Traylor for the invocation and benediction, and Rev. Joel Thornton for the keynote address.

Mostly, thank you to the military veterans who served this country and continue to serve by remembering those who did not make it home: American Legion Post 13, VFW Post 2216 and Auxiliary, and VFW Post 7814 and Auxiliary.

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
31 May 2010

Silent no more ... Virginians speak out at tax day rally in Staunton

David Karaffa, who was in scrubs because he rushed from the hospital after his shift to attend the rally.

Yankee Phil was working his way through the crowd with camera in hand.

Governor Allen talked with Phil Lynch (left), Bruce Richmond (middle), and David Karaffa (right).

Constitution Party offered information at their tent.
Watching the events....

SWAC Husband with Bill ... Fonda and Liz.

Charles Kraut and Steve Bright at Constitution Party table.

Staunton's Gypsy Hill Park is a large recreational area located in the central Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, a place with picnic shelters, Little League baseball fields, playgrounds, city swimming pool, walking paths, and a Gazebo where free musical offerings are available throughout the summer months. It's the epitome of Small Town USA.

Thursday's tea party gathering at the Gazebo was a big change from a year earlier when a smaller group had gathered with signs and flags to express alarm and concern about the direction of the country after cap-and-trade, government overreaching into private companies, and the threat of government-run health care.

This time estimates of those attending ranged from 500-1,000 with a two-hour program, sound system, informational tables, and guest speakers including former Virginia governor George Allen. There did not seem to be as many flags and signs as in the past but it was a friendly group of like-minded Americans.

Friends were everywhere. I saw neighbors, home schoolers, fellow Republicans, and others from the Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County communities.

Many thanks to the tea party organizers ... Bruce, Mark, Sue, Lyn, Terry ... who were manning tables, EmCeeing, keeping the agenda on track, and all the jobs that are part of any event.

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
15 April 2010