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A Salute to Our Veterans: Don’t Miss the Shriners Parade in Blowing Rock Saturday

Show your support for North Carolina veterans in Blowing Rock this weekend as the Oasis Shriners parade returns to the High Country!

The parade will make its way through town on Saturday, June 4, and this year’s theme is “A Salute to Our Veterans.”

Beginning at 2 p.m. on June 4, the “Salute” parade will make its way through the downtown area. It will feature the Oasis Shriners’ famous mobile parade units, clowns, color guards, floats, Shrine marching bands, Snow Masonic Lodge in Boone, marching in regalia, veterans’ recognitions, leadership acknowledgements, entertainment for children, music and more.

Retired U.S. Army Major General Chuck Swannack, former commander of the 82nd Airborne Division and executive director of Speedway Children’s Charities in Concord, will lead the parade as Grand Marshall.

New this year, the “civic parade” will feature the Lady Shriners, special guests and other civic groups.

Large groups of military veterans from across the state will convene to participate, including an Honor Guard from Mooresville and American Legion Post 256 led by Blowing Rock Mayor Pro Tempore Albert Yount. Also joining the parade will be the JROTC and marching band from Watauga High School.

Special honored guests will include Appalachian State University Chancellor Sheri N. Everts, U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) and Blowing Rock Mayor J.B. Lawrence. North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper has also been invited to participate.

Following the parade, the Shriners will give away three giant “Fezzy” Shrine bears in a children’s drawing, and the Shrine parade units will be available for public viewing.

While you’re there, get a closer look at the Appalachian State University football team’s Camelia Bowl championship trophy! It will be featured in the parade and will be available for viewing in the park from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Fans are encouraged to take a #Yoselfie with the Camellia Bowl trophy, pick up a 2016 Appalachian State football poster and meet with App State athletics staff members.

Ready for some fun? We’ll see you at the parade this weekend!

For more information on the Oasis Shriners, visit oasisshriners.org.

 

Photos from the 2014 Shriners Parade in Blowing Rock by Ken Ketchie:

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