Numerous July 4 weekend events are planned

With the Fourth of July celebration upon us, a variety of activities are on tap to celebrate this weekend's holiday.

The weekend festivities will kick off Friday night at 6:30 p.m. with Mixed Emotions performing on the stage at Crouse Park until 10:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, those attending the weekend events are encouraged to don "old-timey" dress and are reminded to bring their own lawn chairs.

On July 4

During the festivities, shuttle service will be available from Napco to Crouse Park.

Following a 9:30 a.m. registration, old-timey hillbilly games for children will begin at Crouse Park at 10 a.m. Activities for children up to 7 years of age will include a egg and spoon race, a lollipop game, best chicken imitation and a dance contest; and activities for children ages 8 to 12 will include a sack race, Simon Says, an egg and spoon race, best chicken imitation and a dance contest. Hillbilly Wes Brinegar will serve as the master of ceremonies during the day, including the 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. games.

Also at 9:30 a.m., the Friends of the Park will begin fund-raising efforts at Crouse Park selling fresh-made donuts with a choice of topping, as well as iced coffee and tea. The group's "auction for action" will begin at 10 a.m. Items up for auction will include furniture, artwork, jewelry, collectibles and vintage clothing, as well as gift certificates from local restaurants. Goods and services provided for auction, as well as cash donations are tax-deductible. All money raised will go toward the purchase of new playground equipment. For more information, call Linda Chekanow at 372-7183. Bluegrass music will be played at the park from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

At noon, a community picnic will be held at Crouse Park. Food will be available for purchase on Main Street. The annual parade, themed "Celebrating our Patriotism," will begin at 2 p.m. Robert "Eldon" Edwards will serve as the grand marshal and will be escorted by his wife, Laurine.

The parade will follow its annual course, from its staging site at Sparta Elementary School to Trojan Village Shopping Center.

As of Friday afternoon, there had been a little over 20 entrants who expressed interest in participating in the parade. Main Street Coordinator Barbara Lucier said she expects the numbers to increase as parade day approaches. Those interested in participating may contact Lucier at 372-6135 to pre-register. While no late entries will be turned away, she noted pre-registration is preferred. Entrants are reminded not to throw candy while on the parade route and citing insurance concerns are asked instead to hand the candy out.

Homemade floats entered into the parade will be judged in two categories, best depiction of theme and most original. Winning entries-who will be notified-will receive a $50 cash prize.

Following the annual July 4 parade, classic cars will be on display at Farmer's Hardware, and old-timey hillbilly games for adults will begin. Following a 2:30 p.m. registration, games for adults will begin at 3 p.m. and include a fishing contest, a toilet paper toss, toilet seat horseshoes, as well as a horse race, best chicken imitations, a dance contest and a Moon Pie eating contest. Meanwhile, bluegrass music will be performed on stage by the Alleghany Jubilee Dancers between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. The tailgating party at Alleghany High School will begin at 6 p.m., where entertainment and food will be available.

Fourth of July festivities will be culminated by the annual fireworks show, scheduled to begin at dusk (about 9 p.m. or shortly thereafter) at AHS. Additional Activities

Other activities planned for the weekend include: