Parade planned for July 4

Planning is under way for the Sparta Fourth of July parade, which will happen at 2 p.m. on the actual holiday. The parade typically is on the Saturday nearest the July 4 holiday, but this year the holiday actually is on Saturday.

Eldon Edwards, accompanied by his wife Laurine, is the grand marshal for the event. Edwards, an Alleghany native, is a former chairman of the Alleghany County Commission, a veteran of the Korean War, a former commander of Bruce Wayne Osborne Veterans of Foreign Wars No. 7034 and has for many years led the VFW Honor Guard.

The theme of the event is "Celebrating our Patriotism." Barbara Lucier, one of the event's organizers, said the committee typically selects a patriotic theme for the parade and with the 150th anniversary of the county, "We hope it's bigger and better than ever."

John Kilmartin, promotions committee chair of the Sparta Revitalization Committee, said the event basically would focus on the birthday of the nation, rather than the sesquicentennial. "There is a committee working up a separate parade for that event," he said.

The organizers are encouraging homemade floats and a $50 prize will be awarded to the float with the best depiction of theme. Another $50 prize will be awarded to the float deemed "Most Original." Ribbons will be awarded to runners-up in each category.