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Winter Weather Advisory For Portions Of The Blue Ridge Saturday Morning

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A Winter Weather Advisory goes into effect for portions of the Blue Ridge early Saturday morning until noon. Click on the image above for the absolute latest updates from NWS.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
332 AM EST Fri Nov 23 2018

Extreme Western Allegany-Augusta-Rockingham-Shenandoah-Page-
Nelson-Albemarle-Greene-Madison-Western Highland-Eastern Highland-
Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-Central Virginia Blue Ridge-
Hampshire-Hardy-Western Grant-Eastern Grant-Western Mineral-
Eastern Mineral-Western Pendleton-Eastern Pendleton-
332 AM EST Fri Nov 23 2018

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO NOON EST
SATURDAY…

* WHAT…Freezing rain and sleet expected. Total glaze ice
accumulations of up to one tenth of an inch expected.

* WHERE…Portions of western Maryland, central, northwest and
western Virginia and eastern West Virginia.

* WHEN…From 3 AM to noon EST Saturday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Freezing rain and sleet on cold road
surfaces will result in slippery travel. Motorists should use
caution if they will be driving late tonight and Saturday
morning.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of freezing rain
will cause travel difficulties. Expect slippery roads. Slow down
and use caution while driving.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
404 AM EST Fri Nov 23 2018

…Wintry mix expected overnight tonight into part of Saturday…

.A warm front will overrun a shallow cold air mass and produce a
period of sleet and freezing rain overnight tonight and into a
part of Saturday. As surface temperatures gradually warm above
freezing into Saturday, mixed precipitation will change to all
rain.

Giles-Pulaski-Montgomery-Floyd-Craig-Alleghany VA-Bath-Roanoke-
Botetourt-Rockbridge-Patrick-Franklin-Bedford-Amherst-Henry-
Campbell-Appomattox-Buckingham-Monroe-Eastern Greenbrier-
Western Greenbrier-
Including the cities of Pearisburg, Radford, Pulaski, Blacksburg,
Floyd, New Castle, Clifton Forge, Covington, Hot Springs,
Roanoke, Salem, Fincastle, Lexington, Buena Vista, Stuart,
Rocky Mount, Amherst, Martinsville, Lynchburg, Appomattox, Union,
Lewisburg, White Sulphur Springs, Quinwood, Duo, and Rainelle
404 AM EST Fri Nov 23 2018

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 11 AM EST
SATURDAY…

* WHAT…Mixed precipitation expected. Total ice accumulations of
between a tenth and to two tenths of an inch, and sleet
accumulations of less than a quarter-inch expected. Greatest
icing expected in the New River Valley, Blue Ridge and Alleghany
Highlands.

* WHERE…The Alleghany Highlands, Blue Ridge Mountains from Floyd
to Amherst Counties, the central Virginia Piedmont and
Greenbrier County in West Virginia.

* WHEN…From 1 AM to 11 AM EST Saturday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Plan on slippery road conditions. Isolated
tree damage and power outages possible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow, sleet or
freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Expect slippery
roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Nelson’s Richard Averitt Says He & Others Discover Notice : ACP Plans To ‘Quick Take’ Land For Pipeline (Video)

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Nellysford
Nelson County, Virginia

Nelson County entrepreneur, businessman and land owner, Richard Averitt, says he and others discovered that Dominion / ACP (Atlantic Coast Pipeline) filed notice of Quick Takes this past Friday afternoon, November 16, 2018.

“On Friday ACP & Dominion sued 21 or so folks in Nelson County. Essentially everyone in Nelson County they don’t yet have an easement with – with what’s called Quick Take. It’s the right to seize your property prior to you having your day in court, frankly,”

Averitt told us in an interview Monday afternoon.


Above our interview with Richard Averitt on Monday – November 19, 2018. Press play to watch the entire video.

In an interview BRL had with Averitt on Monday afternoon he said the move is against land owners that have not yet resolved easement issues with allowing ACP across their property.

Averitt has long opposed the project that will tunnel under the Blue Ridge Parkway just yards from the entrance to Wintergreen Resort and continue eastward across Averitt’s property that he had plans to develop a retreat spa on in the Rockfish Valley along Route 151.

The project has been embroiled in controversy since it was announced here in Nelson.

Averitt says he will appeal any formal notice of the Quick Take. He explains more in the video above.

Nelson : Roseland : Devils Backbone Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary (Video)

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©2018 Blue Ridge Life Magazine : Photos By Tommy Stafford : Lisa Davis (left) of Beech Grove, Virginia chats it up with Jason Oliver, Founding Brewmaster and Head Brewmaster at Devils Backbone Brewing during their 10th anniversary celebration this past Sunday night – November 18, 2018 in Roseland, Virginia.

Roseland
Nelson County, Virginia

Ten years ago this month Devils Backbone brewing officially kicked off their Basecamp location in Roseland, Virginia.

John Howard (then of DBBC) serves up samples of scrumptious food to Greg & Linda Heuer of Winterhaven at during a soft trial opening of Devils Backbone Brewing Company back in November of 2008. The company celebrated 10 years in business this month.

Devils Backbone 10th Anniversary from Tommy Stafford on Vimeo.

Above in this video, Steve & Heidi Crandall (co-founders of Devils Backbone Brewing) join charter staff member to talk about 10 years leading up to the 2018 anniversary. Click play to watch.

(L to R) Jason Oliver Head Brewmaster of DB, Shawn Goodwin (then Executive Chef) of DB and DB Founder Steve Crandall stand at the entrance of the Basecamp that was under construction in the picture from July 9, 2008. The brewery officially opened a few months later in November of that year.
Jason Oliver (L) Head Brewmaster at Devils Backbone talks with Steve Crandall, Founder of DB, about the very first tank placement at DB Basecamp back on July 16, 2008 a few months before the brewery officially opened in November of that year.

Attendees at Sunday’s anniversary celebration got all kinds of 10 year anniversary swag to remember the decade!

Happy Anniversary DB and here’s to 10 more!

More history on Devils Backbone by clicking here.

Emergency Crews Complete Lengthy Night Rescue In Blue Ridge

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Photo by Wintergreen Fire & Rescue : Area emergency crews work to get an injured hiker to safety – Sunday night – November 18, 2018

Three Ridges Wildlife Area
Nelson County, Virginia

Release via Wintergreen Fire & Rescue:

Last night Wintergreen Fire & Rescue was again requested to assist an injured hiker on the Mau-Har spur off of the Appalachian Trail. The call originated at 8:56PM as a “911 Hang-up” in the Three Ridges Wilderness area. Immediately a request for County-Wide assistance went out. Many localities would struggle to get a heavy turnout on a cold Sunday night for a call which would certainly consume most of the night. Not Nelson County. Montebello Fire, Rockfish Fire, Roseland Rescue, Gladstone Fire & EMS, and Piney River Fire all came to assist. Well over 20 people were involved. Crews reached the patient at approximately midnight. She had a leg injury which would require her to be carried out, and was being well taken care of by a group of through-hikers.

After last weekend’s 8-hour hike in precisely the same location, Wintergreen Fire & Rescue staff were determined to find a better way. Staff returned to the scene to scout it out. Indeed, there was a shortcut across private land, however a treacherous stream crossing was involved. A “high-line” was set up to pass the basket over the creek. This allowed the removal team to “rock-hop” over the stream. In the end, approximately 2-3 hours were trimmed off the exercise.

Crews cleared at approximately 3AM. There were no rescuer injuries.

Equipment:
Medic 8-1
Medic 176
Squad 1
Response 173 & 174
Rockfish 54
Gladstone 46
Montebello 78
Salvage 23 w ATV
C1 & C3

After The Storm : Beautiful Scene In The Mountains

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Photo courtesy of John Taylor : Sunshine returned to the area on Friday morning and though there’s plenty of damage across the area from Thursday’s ice storm, there’s plenty of beauty too. The was taken from Devils Knob at Wintergreen looking into the Rockfish Valley of Nelson.

 

Devils Knob
Nelson County, Virginia

Way up there around 3500 feet beauty is unfolding Friday morning after Thursday’s ice storm. We’ve been telling you about the damage that hit in our posts here and here. In spite of the extensive damage in the higher elevations and to the west of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the ice did make for some beautiful pictures on Friday morning. John Taylor sent us this photo from Devils Knob up at about 3500 feet.

Thankfully we dry out over the next several days and temperatures will moderate. Perfect weather to do some cleaning up!

The Day After : Ice Storm Takes Take Down Many Trees – Closes Roads

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Photo courtesy of Wintergreen, Virginia PD : Wintergreen Police inspect damage from an ice storm that occurred on Thursday – November 15, 2018 .

Near Wintergreen
Nelson / Augusta County, Virginia

Many roads across the area remained closed Friday morning after an ice storm hit area. Most locations affected were in the higher elevations in places like Wintergreen and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. However, locations on the western side of the parkway were hit hard. Waynesboro has numerous trees down with crews working to clear streets and roads along with restoring power.

Photo by WPD : Reeds Gap on Route 664 just above the Wintergreen Resort entrance remains closed as of Friday morning due to numerous trees down in the road from the recent ice storm.

“Ice damage in and around Wintergreen last night was extensive. WPOA crews worked nonstop to keep our roads open and continue to do so. Please note, Reeds Gap Road and Mount Torrey Road (path to Waynesboro) are CLOSED. Power lines, utility poles, and trees block the road in several places. It is anticipated much of the weekend will be required to make these roads passable again. Please do not drive around the VDOT barrier at the end of Wintergreen Drive. All traffic leaving Wintergreen must turn left,”

Wintergreen Property Owners Association released in a message to owners at the resort on Friday morning.

Brent’s Gap on Route 151 south of Devils Backbone in Nelson County was also blocked for most of the day Thursday, but reopened around dark. Though open to traffic now, extensive cleanup will be occurring over the next several weeks due to damage near the gap.

Ice Covered Trees Bring Down Power Lines & Trees : Blocks Roads (updated 6:30 PM)

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Photos via Wintergreen Fire & Rescue : A WFD crew blocks Route 151 at Brents Gap in Nelson County after ice covered trees came down in high winds taking down powerlines in the process. Thursday – November 15, 2018

Nelson County, Virginia

6:30 PM – Paula Jones VDOT Lynchburg : Crews are finishing and opening the roadway now at Brents Gap on Route 151 in Nelson.”

Freezing rain in the higher elevations of Nelson County has caused trees to come down taking powerlines with them.

Trees continued blocking Brents Gap Thursday afternoon in Nelson County on Route 151.

As of 2 P.M. Thursday afternoon Brents Gap was still blocked as crews worked to clear the road and fix the powerlines.

Temps at Brents Gap and other higher elevations remained in the 20s and lower 30s Thursday afternoon.

Anyone traveling 151 south of Devils Backbone will need to use and alternate route until the roadway has been cleared.

Wintergreen Police also alerted residents there to be aware of falling trees in their area due to ice covering them.

MOTORISTS WILL ENCOUNTER WET, POSSIBLY FLOODED/ICY ROADS TODAY

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LYNCHBURG, Va. – As of 4 a.m., roads across the Lynchburg District of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) are merely wet from an overnight storm; however, motorists may encounter flooded or icy roads before the storm abates.

Currently, there are approximately 20 roads across the 10-county district closed by flooding or downed trees from this event. Those roads are located in Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Halifax and Pittsylvania Counties. A full list is available at 511Virginia.org.

There are reports of freezing rain in some of the more mountainous portions of the District, including Nelson County where temperatures are below freezing.  However, temperatures across the region are hovering near or slightly above freezing and conditions could change rapidly. Motorists should remain alert to the possibility of icing on bridges, overpasses and low-lying areas near water, especially.

VDOT crews are prepared to respond as conditions warrant. Motorists can do their part by knowing the conditions before any travel, avoiding travel if possible and having vehicles winter weather ready in advance.

The Lynchburg District consists of the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Buckingham, Campbell, Charlotte, Cumberland, Halifax, Nelson, Pittsylvania and Prince Edward.

 

WHAT FALLS FROM THE SKY AND WHAT MAY FALL FROM TREES CAN CAUSE TRAVELER TROUBLES TODAY
STAUNTON – (4 a.m.) The Shenandoah Valley is forecasted its first winter weather event of the season today. Snow, sleet and rain are possible for various areas throughout the region. Motorists should use extra caution around trees and wooded areas where leaves are still on some trees and may accumulate snow or ice causing limbs to break off.
Travelers are asked to monitor local weather forecasts and to avoid driving if possible during the storm. VDOT crews will be out to plow and treat roads as the winter weather begins.
On Wednesday, Nov. 14 Virginia Department of Transportation and contractor crews pretreated several roads with brine to help prevent ice bonding to road surfaces. Roads receiving the treatment were Interstate 81 in Shenandoah, Fredrick and Warren counties, Interstate 66 in Warren County and Interstate 64 at Afton Mountain in Augusta County.
Road conditions and traffic cameras can be found on the VDOT 511 website at http://www.511Virginia.org, Roads with snow conditions will be marked minor, moderate, severe or closed.
Road condition definitions:
Closed – Road is closed to all traffic.
Severe – drifting or partially blocked road.
Moderate – snow or ice on major portions of the roadway.
Minor – bare pavement except for isolated spots of snow, ice or slush. Driving with caution is recommended
As the 4 a.m. hour approaches, light rain is falling in the area. Roads in the Shenandoah Valley are clear except for some icy patches in the higher elevations near the West Virginia line.
For winter weather road conditions go to http://www.511Virginia.org, look at the orange bar on the top of the page and click on “Text Views” and then click on “Road Condition Table”. Look at the pull down box that lists all jurisdictions. In this box individual counties can be chosen to view.
On the go? Then visit VDOT’s Free Virginia 511 Tools to get your 511 app for android or iOS. Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511.
The VDOT Customer Service Center can be accessed through its mobile friendly website at https://my.vdot.virginia.gov/. Agents are on site 24/7 every day of the year to assist the public. People can also call the VDOT Customer Service Center at 800-FOR- ROAD (800-367-7623).
The Staunton District Snow Page is on the VDOT website under Travel Center Snow Emergency Pages. The Staunton District Twitter feed is at @VaDOTStaunton.
The Staunton District Twitter feed is at @VaDOTStaunton. VDOT can be followed on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter and YouTube. RSS feeds are also available for statewide information. The VDOT Web page is located at http://www.VirginiaDOT.org.
The VDOT Staunton District serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties.

 

Various Winter Weather Watches, Warnings & Advisories In Effect Across The Blue Ridge On Thursday

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Almost all of the Central Virginia Blue Ridge is under some sort of winter weather watch, warning or advisory on Thursday. Click on the image above for the absolute latest updates from NWS. Conditions will and do change rapidly.


Press play above to listen now as I discuss the various warnings and advisories out for our area.

WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM THURSDAY TO 1 AM EST FRIDAY
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
354 PM EST Wed Nov 14 2018

Augusta-Western Highland-Eastern Highland-
Central Virginia Blue Ridge-
354 PM EST Wed Nov 14 2018

…WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM THURSDAY TO 1 AM EST
FRIDAY…

* WHAT…Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total sleet and snow
accumulation of 1 to 4 inches, and ice glaze accumulations of
two-tenths to three-tenths of an inch expected.

* WHERE…Augusta, Western Highland and Eastern Highland Counties,
and Central Virginia Blue Ridge. (This includes Wintergreen & Montebello)

* WHEN…From 1 AM Thursday to 1 AM EST Friday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Power outages and tree damage are likely
due to the ice. Travel could be extremely difficult. The
hazardous conditions could impact the morning and evening
commute Thursday.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Be very careful if you venture outside tomorrow. Watch your
first few steps in particular as your step or path may be coated
with ice.

A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet and
ice will make travel very hazardous or impossible.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
352 PM EST Wed Nov 14 2018

…Wintry Mix Expected Tonight into Thursday…

.Low pressure over the Gulf Coast will track across the Tennessee
Valley and Carolinas tonight before merging into a deeper system
off the Mid Atlantic coast Friday. At the same time, cold high
pressure will wedge south into our area keeping surface
temperatures at or below freezing. This will result in a threat of
mainly freezing rain,sleet, and possibly some snow tonight into
Thursday.

Craig-Alleghany VA-Bath-Botetourt-Rockbridge-Bedford-Amherst-
Mercer-Summers-Monroe-Eastern Greenbrier-Western Greenbrier-
Including the cities of New Castle, Clifton Forge, Covington,
Hot Springs, Fincastle, Lexington, Buena Vista, Amherst,
Bluefield, Hinton, Hix, Union, Lewisburg, White Sulphur Springs,
Quinwood, Duo, and Rainelle

352 PM EST Wed Nov 14 2018

…WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 7 PM
EST THURSDAY…

* WHAT…Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet
accumulations of up to an inch, with possibly 1 to 3 inches
along and north of U.S. 60. Ice accumulations of up to one third
of an inch expected.

* WHERE…Portions of central, south central, southwest and west
central Virginia and southeast West Virginia.

* WHEN…From midnight tonight to 7 PM EST Thursday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Power outages and tree damage are possible
due to the ice. Travel will be slick, especially secondary roads.
The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet
and ice will make travel very hazardous or impossible.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
354 PM EST Wed Nov 14 2018

Nelson-Albemarle-Greene-Orange-Spotsylvania-
354 PM EST Wed Nov 14 2018

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO NOON EST
THURSDAY…

* WHAT…Mixed precipitation expected. Total sleet and snow
accumulation of up to one inch, and ice glaze accumulations of
around one tenth of an inch expected.

* WHERE…Nelson, Albemarle, Greene, Orange and Spotsylvania
Counties.

* WHEN…From 1 AM to noon EST Thursday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The
hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Be very careful if you venture outside tomorrow. Watch your first
few steps in particular as your step or path may be coated with
ice.

A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow, sleet or
freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Expect slippery
roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
352 PM EST Wed Nov 14 2018

…Wintry Mix Expected Tonight into Thursday…

.Low pressure over the Gulf Coast will track across the Tennessee
Valley and Carolinas tonight before merging into a deeper system
off the Mid Atlantic coast Friday. At the same time, cold high
pressure will wedge south into our area keeping surface
temperatures at or below freezing. This will result in a threat of
mainly freezing rain,sleet, and possibly some snow tonight into
Thursday.

Campbell-Appomattox-Buckingham-
Including the cities of Lynchburg and Appomattox
352 PM EST Wed Nov 14 2018

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT
TONIGHT TO 7 PM EST THURSDAY…

* WHAT…Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations
of up to one inch and ice accumulations of around one tenth of
an inch expected or less.

* WHERE…Buckingham, Appomattox and Campbell Counties.

* WHEN…From midnight tonight to 7 PM EST Thursday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Roads could become slick. The hazardous
conditions could impact the morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow…sleet…or
freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for
slippery roads and limited visibilities…and use caution while
driving.

Village Of Lovingston Readies For ‘The Magic Of Christmas’ Parade On December 8, 2018

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Photo By BRL Mountain Photographer Paul Purpura : ©2010-2018 Blue Ridge Life Magazine : Rebecca Duncan, formerly of Nelson County, Virginia waves to the crowd during the annual Lovingston Christmas Parade in December 2010.

Lovingston
Nelson County, Virginia

2017 marked the return of the annual Christmas parade to Village of Lovingston. After a two to three year hiatus at Oak Ridge, it returned last year with the theme of Welcome Home. “I don’t know the entire story, but maybe there were some traffic issues that caused it to be a little cumbersome. Oak Ridge Estate very graciously opened their track. But it’s obviously a little further out there from the center of town so just a bunch of us decided we wanted to bring it back into the village,” Lori Ponton tells us. She’s one of several committee members working on the 2018 parade that will be held on December 8, 2018.

Photo By BRL Photographer Jenn Rhubright : ©2006-2018 Blue Ridge Life Magazine : People line the streets in the Village of Lovingston in this nostalgic photo taken at the annual Christmas parade in December of 2006.

“Last year was the first year under the Nelson County Parade Association. A group of citizens that wanted to bring it back into the Village of Lovingston. We bought it back and it was received very so we’re just moving forward with it again this year,” Lori continued.

The theme of the 2018 parade is The Magic Of Christmas.

During the 2017 return of the parade in the Village of Lovingston Lori tells us about 50 floats entered and the homecoming was very well received. “People told us glad to see you back, welcome home indeed!”

Here’s a rundown of this year’s events surrounding the parade:

Friday – December 7th  at 7 PM : Tree lighting followed by Christmas caroling in the Village of Lovingston. 

Saturday – December 8. 2018:

3 PM to 6 PM craft & food vendors available

3 PM until 5:30 PM visit  and photos with Santa

6PM the Christmas Parade begins

The Nelson County Parade Association has set up a website for the event at: www.nelsoncoparadeassoc.org

You can also email them here: nelson.parade.assoc@gmail.com

See you there!

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