Community Corner

Retired Forest Edge Principal to Serve as Grand Marshal of Holiday Parade

Frank Bensinger gets the honor for the 21st annual event at Reston Town Center.

Frank Bensinger, the recently retired principal of has been appointed Grand Marshal for the 2011 Reston Holiday Parade.

The parade, featuring more than 76 acts, will march through the on Friday, Nov. 25.

“We are pleased to be able to honor Mr. Bensinger this way, in recognition of his years of wonderful dedication to teaching, and to his students, his staff, and our community,” said John Lovaas of the Reston Holiday Parade Committee. “It also fit into place that he would be a great representative of this year’s reading theme, Storybook Magic.”  

Find out what's happening in Restonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

after 21 years at the school, was awarded as a Best of Reston honoree in 2007, also in recognition of his service to the community. 

This will be the 21st Annual Holiday Parade at the town center. MIX 107.3 personalities, Carson and Chilli, will announce the procession from two grandstand locations on Market Street.

Find out what's happening in Restonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 At 6 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will light up the huge Christmas Tree with the help of emcee, Washington DJ Cerphe.  The Tree Lighting will be followed by a Sing Along, led by The Reston Chorale and Brass Quintet.

Full schedule of Nov. 25 Reston Town Center events:  

8 a.m:Reston Town Center retailers open early

8 a.m: Gingerbread Man Mile – Fun-run and races for kids, toddler through high school age, to benefit the charity, Neediest Kids. Free to participate. Registration and information: www.prraces.com.                              

11:00 a.m: 21st Annual Reston Holiday Parade – Theme for 2011: “Storybook Magic”

12:30 – 4:30 p.m: Visits and Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Donations will benefit the South Lakes High School Chorus.

6 p.m: Tree Lighting and Sing Along. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in a horse-drawn carriage to magically light up the Christmas tree in Fountain Square, followed by traditional holiday songs led by Reston Chorale and brass quintet.

6:30 – 1 p.m. Horse-drawn Carriage Rides. Proceeds benefit Volunteer Fairfax. Pick-up location is in front of on Market Street. $5 per person, children 5 and under ride free with adult.

 All day:

Ice Skating Pavilion – Public skating is open every day until March, including holidays. Hotline: 703-709-6300.

Gingerbread Village is on display in the lobby of the throughout the season.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here