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DBDA, Town of Boone Salute Community Volunteers in 2013 Fourth of July Parade

By Erika Giovanetti

July 3, 2013. The Downtown Boone July Fourth Parade continues its annual tradition with a march through the downtown district on King Street on Thursday, July 4, at 11:00 a.m. The parade takes place rain or shine.

This year’s theme salutes volunteers in the community, and the Grand Marshalls are Robert and Agnes Shipley. Mr. Shipley is an inductee into the Western North Carolina Agriculture Hall of Fame and a retired agriculture teacher from Cove Creek School. Mrs. Shipley is also an active member in the area’s agricultural community.July 4 Parade pic

The parade starts at Horn in the West Drive and concludes at the Poplar Grove Extension on King Street near Galileo’s.

Various local businesses and organizations highlight the parade. The Town of Boone does a float that celebrates community volunteers, and the mounted policemen are always a big hit.

The Town of Boone hosts evening festivities at Clawson-Burnley Park at 7:00 p.m. with fireworks by Zambelli at 9:30 p.m.

“People typically set up lawn chairs and blankets, and they bring their own activities with them,” said Pilar Fotta, Cultural Resources Director of the Town of Boone. “Some people will bring Frisbees or footballs to play catch with the kids.”

Downtown Boone Development Association (DBDA) encourages participants and viewers of the parade to carpool, since parking downtown is limited on the day of the parade. DBDA also reminds everyone not to litter and that throwing candy is prohibited.

“Everybody’s welcome to come, and there won’t be exceeding time violations on the day of the parade, so people can shop downtown without having to worry about that,” said Fotta.

For more information about registering a group for the parade, please contact the DBDA at 828-268-6283 or click here. For any other questions regarding the parade, call the Town of Boone at 828-268-6201 or click here.