It’s the holiday season in Botetourt County which means we all look for opportunities to spread cheer, sprinkle kindness, and have a little bit of that Christmas Magic. Part of the magic of this time of year is a visit from a jolly old elf from the North Pole. We will get to that story in just a minute…. But first, we want you to meet a man that you see quite often but you might not know much about.
During his day job, County Administrator Gary Larrowe is working to serve the Botetourt community. Whether it’s working with county staff on Economic Development initiatives, focusing time on bringing industries and jobs to the county, or working with the Board of Supervisors to enhance the quality of life for our BOCO residents, businesses, and visitors, Gary always gives 110%. He and his family moved to the county in 2016 and ever since he has been making it his mission to make Botetourt County the crown jewel of the Commonwealth and he is succeeding! Gary also has a few other titles that he holds even more dear: Husband, Dad, and Pops to his almost 2-year-old grandson who he loves babysitting and teaching him about classic trucks at his Buchanan home. But did you know that during December, while he’s still keeping Botetourt County moving, he also has one more title?
We want to introduce you to “The Man Behind the Santa.”
Since 2021, Gary and his wife Alice have been volunteering their time to spread cheer by taking on the personas of Santa and Mrs. Claus. Gary stepped into the red suit when the Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce asked him to play Santa during the very popular and ever-growing Tinsel Trail that is held in the Town of Fincastle each year. Since his inaugural Santa stint, Gary and Alice have been invited to events at our local libraries, Carrington Place, and other corporate events around the Roanoke Valley.
When asked why this dedicated family decided to volunteer during this busy time of year the answer was simple. “We LOVE kids, and this is a chance for us to see kids’ excitement and joyful reactions when they see Santa,” says Larrowe. “One of our favorite memories has been having special needs children and adults stop by to see Santa and Mrs. Claus. We have had children bring us gifts that they have made which has truly been special and makes us remember what Christmas is all about and that’s the joy of family, friends, and fellowship.”
When asked if Santa Gary could grant one wish this holiday season, his answer was really quite simple. “If Santa could bring one thing to Botetourt County, it would be to return to the concept of unconditional love of family, friends, neighbors, and citizens instead of developing unneeded divides. Our county is better than that and my wish is that in 2025 we will all return to being exceptionally kind and united. We are all on this big ‘ol planet together and we all love Botetourt County. I hope that Christmas joy can continue far past December.”
Happy Holidays, Larrowe family and Gary, thank you from the bottom of all of our hearts for stepping in and being the “man behind the Santa.”
Written by: Tiffany Bradbury, Director of Communications for Botetourt County