Scottish Christmas Walk Parade Volunteers Sought By Campagna Center

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Volunteers are needed to help run one of Alexandria's favorite holiday traditions during the double parade weekend.

Alexandria nonprofit Campagna Center is recruiting volunteers for the 54th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade happening on Saturday, Dec. 6. About 40 to 50 volunteers are needed to fill a variety of roles., including banner carriers, vehicle lineup, assembly block volunteers and more.

The parade begins at 11 a.m., but volunteer shifts start as early as 8 a.m. and finish by 1:30 p.m. A virtual volunteer training is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 1. Role assignments will be shared in advance. Volunteers are asked to sign up online by Nov. 21.

The Campagna Center expects a turnout of thousands of attendees. The Scottish Christmas Walk Parade is one of the region's longest-running holiday traditions and celebrates the city's heritage and founding by Scottish merchants. This is the fourth year Visit Alexandria has taken over organizing the parade from the Campagna Center with continuing support from the nonprofit and city government. The Scottish Christmas Walk Parade will be followed by the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights later that day.

The parade, sponsored by Wegmans this year, benefits the Campagna Center's educational programs serving more than 2,000 children and families in Alexandria. The Campagna Center has marked its 80th year and largely serves families earning between 100 and 200 percent of the federal poverty level. As part of the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, the Campagna Center will also host the 54th annual Taste of Scotland on Friday, Dec. 5, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the ALX Community Atrium to benefit Campagna programs.