Lovingston July Fourth parade is set

- What: Nelson County Fourth of July Parade
- When: 11 a.m. July 4
- Where: Front Street, Lovingston
- More Info: Children’s bike parade sign-up begins at 10 a.m.
- Contact Kim Bryant at (434) 263-6700 or e-mail .

 

The fourth annual Nelson County Fourth of July Parade is ready to roll down Front Street in Lovingston and this year. The theme for this year’s parade will be the Declaration of Independence.

“My philosophy of the parade is that it is a great way to show support for those in our community and for those who fight to protect our freedom,” said Kim Bryant, the parade committee chairwoman.

Bryant said past parade participants have been asking about having a theme for the parade.

“We really hadn’t picked one, so we finally went ahead and picked a theme and started doing that this year,” Bryant said. “That’s the theme of the entire parade.”

The theme can be represented among the parade floats by a person, place or thing, she said.

The parade will be at 11 a.m. on July 4, rain or shine. It is free and sponsored by Oak Tree Systems, the Virginia Farm Bureau and Blue Ridge Grocery.

Participants include the Faber Volunteer Fire Department, Blue Ridge Grocery, the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office, Trinity Preschool, the Piney River Volunteer Fire Department, and the radio station WYYD with Barry “The Bear” Michaels.

The parade will also include the children’s bike parade, wagons, strollers and any other non-motorized vehicles decorated for Independence Day.

Sign-up for the children’s bike parade begins at 10 a.m. and judging is at 10:30 a.m.

The children’s bikes will lead the parade, which begins at the BB&T bank building on Front Street near U.S. 29 and ends at the Farm Bureau Insurance building on Front Street.

Bryant said parade-goers are encouraged to bring water, a chair and flags.

Last year was the first year the parade committee added a grand marshal, who will be will be Ray Uttaro, Nelson County’s emergency services coordinator.

“We try to look at people who are really making big contributions to the community,” Bryant said. “We saw those articles in the paper about how he’s been helping people, victims of accidents and then the families of victims. He’s very compassionate and caring and he has to tell people some very difficult information sometimes.

“He seems to be very good at what he does,” she said.

Uttaro said he was honored.

“To be recognized by my community is humbling to say the least,” Uttaro said. “I am honoring the members of fire and rescue with this, so the two that will carry the banner will be a junior member of fire and rescue and the future of our fire and rescue.”

Each year, the parade is judged and awards are given for: Best Float, Best Formation Marching Unit, Best Antique Vehicle, Best of Show Fire Unit, Best of Show Rescue Unit, Most Patriotic Group, the Judge’s Award and the Best Representation of the Parade Theme.

Bryant said groups could still sign up.

“We would love to see people come out and participate,” she said. “There should be something there for everyone.”