Rescue, an unincorporated Isle of Wight County village at the mouth of the Pagan River and Jones Creek, will hold its first-ever Christmas parade Dec. 17.

The effort is being organized by business owner Dawson Moody and Rescue resident Steven Bowman. Bowman is the son of former Smithfield Police Chief and Town Council member-elect Steve Bowman. The two have been planning the event for roughly a month.

“It’s kind of a last-minute thing,” said Moody. “Everything has just fallen together.”

The section of Rescue Road and Smiths Neck Road that passes through the village will be closed from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. for the parade, Moody said.

So far, the organizers have commitments from a handful of participants, including the Carrollton Volunteer Fire Department. Smithfield resident Jim Groves will serve as master of ceremonies and play Christmas music by the Rescue Post Office.

Moody is still taking entries for the parade. Anyone interested in being part of the event can call Moody at 757-328-3411.