The Craig County Independence Day Parade enjoyed perfect weather again this year, celebrating the 249th year of America’s independence. Spectators began lining the parade route early, while nonprofits set up at the Farmers Market, offering cold drinks, sweet treats, raffle tickets, and other goods for fundraising. Meanwhile, the Craig County Fairgrounds buzzed with activity as parade participants gathered, adding last-minute decorations to their entries.
This year marked the fourth time the Craig Valley Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, organized the parade, fostering community spirit and patriotism. This year, the chapter introduced the theme “Great Moments in American History,” encouraging participants to compete for the coveted Patriot Cup and other prizes, including bragging rights. To ensure fairness, judges from outside the county were brought in: Nona Gabbert from Blacksburg, Cindy Higgins from Roanoke, and Jeanne Butler from Pearisburg.
The parade began promptly at 10 a.m. with New Castle Town Mayor Lenny MacDonald leading the way from the fairgrounds. The American flag waved proudly from Reno Boone’s vintage green tractor, followed by Grand Marshal and DAR Good Citizen Award recipient, Jamie Ratliff. Local fire engines and rescue vehicles, sirens and lights filling the air, were interspersed between vintage automobiles, vehicles representing families and businesses, as the parade moved down Route 311 to Main Street.
For the fourth consecutive year, VFW Post 4491 won the Patriot Cup for the Most Patriotic/Best Depiction of Parade Theme with their float depicting a scene from the War Between the States. Millie Harrison’s Grandkids float, featuring the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Lady Liberty, and patriotic eagles, received Honorable Mention in the same category. Girl Scouts Troop 793 won the Youth Award for the Most Patriotic Float, and Anthony Neel, a regular participant, won the Most Unique Entry for his vintage red tractor.
As the parade concluded at the Craig County Courthouse, attendees moved to the Farmers Market for the awards presentation. The crowd enjoyed the Beard Contest, where local men competed for top honors. Joe Garst won the Longest Beard Prize with an 8 ½” beard, Paul Paradzinski took home the Bushiest Beard Prize, and Jason Matyas was awarded Best Overall Beard for the second year in a row. Men, it’s never too early to start preparing for next year’s contest!
The Most Patriotic Cap/Bonnet Contest followed, with Adeline Matyas taking top honors. The festivities concluded with Watermelon Eating Contests. The youth under-18 category saw fierce competition, with Zach Smith emerging as the winner. In the adult category, Samuel Matyas claimed the prize with a perfectly cleaned rind.
The Craig Valley Chapter, NSDAR, extends its gratitude to the following contributors: Craig County Fairgrounds Association for the use of the fairgrounds, Craig County Farmers Market for use of the market area, Food Country USA for watermelon, Jim & Pat Cady for youth parade medals, David Givens for providing music and sound; Gus Menezes, photographer, and Rob Givens for providing the DAR truck. Special thanks also go to community volunteers Darlene and Steve Charlton, Donna and Rick Francisco, Melinda and Reno Boone, and Justin Crawford for their help.
With the 4th Annual Craig County Independence Day Parade now in the books, organizers are already planning for next year’s 250th Anniversary celebration. Those interested in joining the Craig250 Commission to help plan this once-in-a-lifetime event should contact Diane Givens at dgivens29@aol.com or Tina Crawford at tinac1956@yahoo.com.
-Submitted by Craig Valley NSDAR
