INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE—A group of riders carrying flags takes part the Sparta July 4 parade along Main Street in Sparta. The parade was well attended again this year. More photos appear on Page 8. Photos by Ron Brown

Parade draws large crowd to Main Street

Sunny skies and a festive atmosphere contributed to a good turnout for last Saturday's Sparta Independence Day Parade.

From one end of Main Street to the other were a wall of spectators anxiously awaiting the start of this year's event—appropriately themed "A Red, White and Blue Ridge Celebration" focusing on the birth of our nation as well as the celebration of the 75th anniversary of The Blue Ridge Parkway.

The grand marshal was Charles Pugh, who was accompanied by his two great granddaughters. Pugh, a local Roaring Gap resident and a Marine Corps veteran, was one of several servicemen in the paraade who served during World War II.

He and other veterans from Bruce Wayne Osborne Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7034 and the Walter Frank Osborne Jr. Detachment No. 1298 of the Marine Corps League highlighted the patriotic theme of this year's parade and gave pause for reflection of their service and the service and sacrifice of others who have helped preserve freedom.

There were more than 90 registered entries but total participation was about 105 entries, according to organizer and Main Street Coordinator Barbara Lucier of the Sparta Revitalization Committee.

A variety of homemade floats by local businesses, civic and church groups took part and some showered the crowd with candy for the young and the young at heart. A $50 prize was awarded in two categories: "Best Depiction of Theme" was awarded to the Rainbow of Hope Cancer Support Group and "Most Original" float was won by the business Dogs by Debbie. "Every category possible was represented," stated Lucier.

In addition to the homemade floats members of the Boy Scouts of America's Old Hickory Council marched celebrating the 100th year anniversary of the organization, and the crowd was entertained by the musical marching ensemble Highland Knights Drum and Bugle Corps of Charlotte.

There were numerous antique and classic cars from Mountaintop Cruisers and others that took part rolling down Main Street to the delight of the crowd as well as riders on horseback decked out in patriotic colors.

AT LEFT: Bright lights—The fireworks show featured lots of bright colors this year and drew big crowds, especially to the area around Alleghany High School. This is the last fireworks show that the Alleghany County Board of Commissioners have agreed to fund. The $5,000 show was funded jointly with the Town of Sparta. More photos appear on Page 5. Photo by Coby LaRue