The sun shone brightly on Blacksburg’s 32nd annual July 4th Parade, sponsored by Mount Tabor Ruritan Club.
Dudley Scott, 93, was the Grand Marshal. He is one of the oldest New River Valley coal miners.
The boys and girls of Cub Scout Pack 44, sponsored by Blacksburg Presbyterian Church, provided the Color Guard, proudly carrying a 20-foot flag at the head of the parade.
This year’s theme was “Blacksburg Volunteers.” Over 100 vehicles, walking units, and floats lined up for the event.
Trophies were presented to the New River Valley Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists for “Best Overall Unit,” to Cub Pack 44 for “Best Youth Unit,” and to Habitat for Humanity for “Best Theme Representation”.
Blue ribbons were presented to the Blacksburg Parade Band (most gleeful); Virginia Techniques Gymnastics (most talented); American Heritage Girls Virginia 3125 (best heritage); Virginia Tech New Student Programs (most spirit); Summer Musical Enterprise – “Sweeney Todd” (most entertaining); Harvest Baptist Church (most creative); Blacksburg Bikeshare Program (best eco-friendly); Curtis Cox – Segway (most colorful); Battery Electric Cars (most eco-friendly); Joe Jones – 1954 ASAF CJ3B Jeep (most historical); Pervis Blevins – 1948 International (best pickup truck); Matthew Moll – 1949 Farmall H (best representation of farming); Bob Shelton Family – 1920 Maxwell Touring (best preserved history); James Peters – 1964 Cadillac Convertible (most glamorous); Hanratty Family – 1962 Chevy Impala (most classic).
Parade Chairman, Gavin Faulkner, thanked the judges: Maryjane Drengwitz, Lee Tlou, Candido Mukuni, and John Mukuni—and everyone who helped to make this year’s parade a great success.