set for June 30 in Brundidge

By JAINE TREADWELL

Features Editor

The Fourth of July comes a little early in Brundidge each year, but the Brundidge Business Association thinks it’s never too early to begin celebrating America’s independence.

So, the Saturday before "the Fourth" has been designated as the day for the annual Independence Day Parade and festivities in Brundidge.

"At one time, we tried having the parade on the Fourth of July, but so many people are involved in family outings on that day, that we decided the Saturday before would be a more convenient time for everyone," said Rue Botts, parade committee chairperson. "And, having the parade of the Saturday before gives everyone in and around Pike County the opportunity to enjoy the parade and then enjoy the activities in Troy on the Fourth. Our parade gets everyone in a patriotic mood for the holiday."

Everyone is invited to participate in the parade and there are no restrictions on the type of entry.

"Floats, cars, trucks, volunteer organizations, churches, clubs, ball teams, school groups, businesses, queens, individuals and horses and wagons are all welcome to be a part of our parade," Botts said. "The only thing we ask is that each entry display some form of patriotism. Displaying flags or our national colors will be just fine."

The parade lineup is scheduled at 8 a.m. Saturday, June 30 at Ft. Wendell Taylor on U.S. Highway 231 in Brundidge.

The parade will begin at 9 a.m.

and will follow the route along Main Street from north to south.

"We expect a large number of entries in the parade but we also hope that the entire parade route will be lined with patriotic people," Botts said. "We are asking spectators to wear red, white and blue and wave flags. Residents will hopefully fly flags to make a patriotic route for the parade to follow. It’s nice for those who are in the parade to see the colors displayed."

Something new at this year’s parade will be street-side patriotic music.

"The music will add a lot to the enjoyment of the parade," Botts said. "And, the Baptist Church will also play about 15 minutes of patriotic music from the chimes that are a memorial to Bill and Maureen Jackson. All things together, the Independence Day parade in Brundidge should be a fun event and should make us all more prideful of the country where we live."

A short ceremony will be held immediately following the parade at the Knox Ryals Pavilion on the Bass House grounds. Everyone is invite to stay for the ceremony and to visit the many shops in downtown Brundidge.

For more information about the Independence Day Parade or to enter, call Rue Botts at 735-3125.