Flags will wave in New Castle on Friday morning, July 4 when the Fourth Annual Craig County Independence Day Parade organized by Craig Valley Chapter, NSDAR kicks off.
It’s not too late for groups, businesses, and families to join in the celebration. This year’s theme is Great Moments in American History. From the signing of the Declaration of Independence to the invention and evolution of the telephone, imagination and creativity will be considered for those who best portray those moments in their parade entry. Bragging rights for Best Presentation of Parade Theme; Most Creative Entry and Most Beautiful Entry will be awarded. Your entry could also be the winner of the prestigious Patriot Cup for the Most Patriotic Entry. The winner’s name will be engraved on the trophy and will retain the trophy until the July 4, 2026 parade. A Youth Division Most Patriotic Youth Award will also be awarded.
Children twelve and under are invited to decorate their trikes, bikes, and wagons in red, white, and blue and will receive a special medal to wear during the parade. These entries will lead off the parade. Parents are requested to accompany their children.
Fairground gates open at 8:30 a.m. and the lineup will begin at 9 a.m. Judging by a panel of three guest judges will start promptly at 9:30 a.m.
The parade will depart from the Craig County Fairgrounds at 10 a.m. and travel down Route 311 and turn right onto Main Street.
During the morning at the Farmers Market, music will be provided by Dave’s Live Sound as well as treats from Friends of the Library including popcorn, lemonade, sweets, and full-size cobblers & pies to purchase perfect for holiday cookouts. Raffle tickets will be sold for a chance to win an agricultural basket. Pearl’s Pantry community food program will be on hand and Craig County Historical Society will be selling raffle tickets. Their prizes are a Henry rifle, handmade rose-themed quilt, and $300 in cash. Mountain Lodge #140 Masons will offer free lemonade at the Masonic Lodge.
After the parade, exciting activities are planned at the Farmers Market. Parade Grand Marshal and DAR Good Citizen Award recipient Jamie Ratliff will help award prizes for parade entries and contest winners. All contest entries should be at the center stage in front of the mural by 11 a.m. to sign up with a DAR member.
Those who have been growing beards just for this event can compete in the Longest, Bushiest, and Best Overall Beard categories. Talented, crafty folks are encouraged to plan now for the Most Patriotic Cap or Bonnet contest. Entrants will be in two divisions– adults over eighteen and youth under eighteen. Bring your most beautiful, wild, or crazy creations, but it must be wearable. The fun will end with a watermelon eating contest for both youth under eighteen and adults over eighteen. Many thanks to Food Country for their generous donation of watermelons for this event.
For more information about this weeks’ parade, contact CraigValleyChapterNSDAR@gmail.com or Tina Crawford at 540-864-6216.
-Submitted by Craig Valley NSDAR
