Gambill to be parade marshal in July 4 event

The Sparta Revitalization Committee on Monday named Charity Gambill as grand marshal of this year's Fourth of July Parade.

The committee also selected "Hometown U.S.A." as the parade theme. SRC Chairman Sandy Rost brought the nominations of Gambill and the theme while reporting before the promotions subcommittee. The parade will be held Saturday, June 30 at 11 a.m.

Rost said the subcommittee would also like that day to be designated as "Charity Gambill Day."

Gambill is an Alleghany County commissioner and member of the Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation board. Employed by Sparta Industries, she is also a longtime rescue squad member and former chairman of the county Board of Education.

The grand marshal and theme choices were approved without objection. "I think you made a good selection in both areas," said SRC member and former chairman Margaret Crouse.

Rost said Tuesday that Gambill had accepted the position of grand marshal. "She is delighted," Rost said.

Rost also said the subcommittee wants to find ways to expand the parade. She said one suggestion was "mini-concerts" by musical groups after the parade. Members also recommended selling ice cream on the courthouse lawn that day as a promotional tool for the SRC.

Highway Adoption

In other action, the committee agreed to adopt a section of N.C. 18 through the state "Adopt a Highway" program. The section covered would be from U.S. 21 to Willis Street.

SRC Treasurer Carolyn Sprinkle recommended the adoption. She said a sign would be posted recognizing the adoption. "It's a good neighbor thing to do," she added.

Highway adoption includes a commitment to clean up the designated road section twice a year, in April and October.

"There are tons of roads we can adopt," said Sprinkle. "I don't recommend we choose (U.S.) 21 (away from town). I've tried that; you might as well write your last will and testament.
 
 

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