Celebration of county's 150th culminates this weekend

A parade and a concert are planned Saturday as a culmination of the county's Sesquicentennial Celebration. Both events will feature the Second Marine Aircraft Wing Band from Cherry Point, which will perform during the parade and later that evening for a special concert at Woodruff Field.

The second performance will be capped by a fireworks display.

Parade

The parade will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, staging at the Napco parking lot (on Trojan Avenue) where they will then travel down Main Street and conclude in the vicinity of Trojan Village Shopping Center. This is different from the traditional parade route that typically stages behind Sparta School and travels to Blue Ridge Street at Trojan Village Shopping Center.

The parade will honor the last 150 years of the county, encouraging potential participants to don attire from any period since 1859 and travel down the parade route via walking, riding a float or buggy, horse or travel in a car, bicycle, lawnmower or tractor.

As of Friday, Sept. 18 more than 65 have signed up to participate in the parade, according to Main Street Coordinator Barbara Lucier.

Members of the Second Aircraft Marine Wing Band will lead the sesquicentennial parade, which will be followed by the Queens float, carrying the August winners of the 150th pageant, Ms. Helen Crouse and Miss Amanda Galyean.

"In keeping with the spirit of the county's 150th anniversary celebration, participants are encouraged to don frocks of yesteryear—formal, informal, your choice," Lucier stated.

Lucier reminds those interested in participating in the parade that early registration is "highly" recommended. Those who do pre-register are welcome to participate in the parade; however, they will be placed in the parade line behind all pre-registered entries.