BusinessCommunityNews

Fourth Tinsel Trail is on the way!

The beauty and festive spirit of the fourth annual Botetourt Chamber Tinsel Trail returns to Fincastle this winter thanks to the continued support of our title sponsor, First Bank. “We are pleased that First Bank chose to sponsor this event again for 2023. It speaks to the value the Tinsel Trail brings to the area and the community involvement prioritized in their mission to make a difference in the communities they serve,” said Khari Ryder, Executive Director of the Botetourt Chamber of Commerce.   

W. Todd Ross, Marketing President with First Bank explains that “We’re proud to have supported this hallmark event since its inception four years ago and are pleased to see it grow into such a festive event for the entire community.  The Tinsel Trail offers a great holiday experience for Botetourt County and our surrounding neighbors.  We look forward to sharing the excitement of the holiday season with everyone again this year.”  

Opening night is scheduled for December 1st and as in prior years, the trail will remain open throughout the month of December for all to enjoy. There is no charge for this event. This year the Tinsel Trail Committee will add a Santa Food Court on opening night. We are excited to announce that Donnie D’s Bagels and Deli will be bringing their new food trailer to opening night.  Locally owned 1772 on Main & Rooftop and the Fincastle Café will also be serving food, drinks, and merriment that evening.   

Planning for this event starts well in advance on January 1st, after the end of last year’s Tinsel Trail, with monthly meetings leading up to opening night. The Tinsel Trail committee members are Teresa Fridley, Amanda Schaal, Ann Layman, David Tickner, Bobbie Bowman, Mike Rakes, Shantelle Crouch, and Jennifer Vance. 

Teresa Fridley has served on the committee as the First Bank representative since the event began in 2019. She has played an important role involving the community in the Tinsel Trail through her relationships with area schools and farms. “Non-profits are an integral part of our community, and this event offers businesses an opportunity to donate their tree to a non-profit organization to decorate,” said Teresa. She also works with area elementary schools to encourage their participation in the event.  “Every year I look forward to seeing the hand-painted ornaments the elementary school students have made and decorating the tree with them.”    

The Botetourt Chamber is looking forward to hosting this event this year in the lovely backdrop of the historic town of Fincastle, surrounded by its rich heritage and natural beauty. If you are interested in purchasing a tree to decorate, please visit the Chamber website at botetourtchamber.com/events for details.  

About the Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce  

As the premier business resource hub in Botetourt County, we offer a strong voice advocating for issues that affect business locally and regionally, innovative programming, and networking opportunities. Large industrial facilities and locally owned service and retail businesses are part of our thriving business community. Founded in 1945, we celebrated our 75th anniversary in 2020.  

Our core purpose is to create, sustain, and enhance a positive business environment for our members. Our primary areas of focus are business education, workforce development, economic development, and infrastructure. We look forward to helping our member organizations grow and prosper. To reach one of our professionals, visit www.botetourchamber.com or call 540-566-8812. 

Pictured left to right: Teresa Fridley, Sue Nave, Julia Clark. 

Shown is the elementary school tree with the handmade ornaments. 

Thank you,

Jennifer Vance

Marketing and Events

Cell: 603.491.4932 | Office: 540.566.8812