Fire parade draws 500
By MICHELLE CREEDStaff
The annual Fire Prevention Parade drew a crowd of about 500 last Thursday night on Main Street in Sparta.
Fire departments from all over Alleghany County and the surrounding area participated in the event.
In attendance were the Sparta/Alleghany Volunteer Fire Department, Cherry Lane Volunteer Fire Department, Piney Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Glade Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Galax (Va.) Volunteer Fire Department, Laurel Springs Volunteer Fire Department, Independence (Va.) Volunteer Fire Department, Mulberry-Fairplains Volunteer Fire Department and New River Volunteer Fire Department. Also attending were the Glade Creek Ladies Auxiliary, Alleghany Rescue Squad, N.C Forest Service, Smokey the Bear and Baywood (Va.) Search and Rescue.
About 75 firemen participated in the event representing the various departments. This year, there were more trucks here from the surrounding areas.
Margaret Ray of Sparta visits with Smokey the Bear during
the parade last Thursday.
