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Eighth Annual Heritage Day Parade Date published: 7/5/2009
Thousands took advantage of sunny skies yesterday to celebrate Independence Day in ways large and small in the Fredericksburg area. Numerous events were held in Fredericksburg itself, but Culpeper, Quantico, King George, Colonial Beach, Port Royal and other venues also held events. Fireworks were not included in some celebrations because of the economy, but as the skies darkened they could be seen going off in Stafford, Quantico and Culpeper. Here's a look at some of the happenings: PARADE FEATURED PLENTY OF RED,
Caroline Street was a sea of red, white and blue at 9:30 a.m. yesterday. Couples wore matching flag shirts, little girls secured their pigtails with red and blue ribbons, boys climbed over their already exhausted fathers, and dogs sported huge, patriotically colored ribbons. The sights on the side It was all part of the Fredericksburg Jaycees' eighth annual Heritage Day Parade. "We had more kids on bikes and families this year than last," Heather Eustace, membership vice president of the Jaycees, said. Two blocks' worth of children, parents, local political figures and clowns paraded down Caroline and Princess Anne streets. The Chik-fil-A cow also made an appearance. The parade was a first for Vancouver, British Columbia, native Sherrill Weeks, 66, and her granddaughters Lauren, 6, and Gabrielle, 2. "I'm not an early bird, but if I'm excited about something I am, and I was excited about this," said Lauren, a first-grader at Smith Station Elementary in Spotsylvania County. The Fredericksburg Rescue Squad kicked off the parade with barrel cars filled with kids. Then a myriad of bikes, trikes and scooters filled the street, as nervous parents tried to keep up. "It allows the community to participate in a small-town way. It also allows the kids to walk through the streets and increase their self-esteem, because the whole community comes out for them," said Valerie Harte, president of the Fredericksburg Jaycees. --Jennifer Neff RE-ENACTORS GIVE GLIMPSE OF COLONIAL FERRY FARM While most people were celebrating America's 233rd birthday yesterday, those at Ferry Farm were celebrating the country's "recent" inception.
The Fireworks were terrible. For all that money they raised, I would like to know where the money went? STARS & STRIPES were the BEST of all.
If you blink you will miss this parade. It was
the start of the parade & my husband walk
to the car to get our fold out chairs and he
just walked right back to us with chairs on
his back and said, "Where's the Parade?"
We heard a lot of people comment on the
fact that it was way to short & no bands,
just a couple police cars and regular people
walking or riding bikes. My Grandkids
asked, "Is that all?" Maybe we can get
some more things & costumes coming
down the street & please throw candy for
kiddies!
I had a lot of fun in the Rappahonnock River Raft Race. I was wondering if there are more photographs of the 4th of July events. I'd like to get a reprint for my friend who entered into the Raft Race with me. I also heard that the Parade was a success. Congratulations and I'll be singing again in the Raft Race next year.
I just left Freddysburg in April and let me tell you.....I was spoiled my whole life with the festivities held in our area. Fredericksburg has the best 4th of July activities. There is something to do ALL DAY. The town I moved to in Texas is a lot larger then Fredericksburg. and they didnt have anything start until 5 pm. and the festivities were nothing like Fredericksburg. If you live there.... get out and enjoy the stuff around you.
I cannot imagine a more historical town in which to celebrate our Independence. I think I had the best job of the day, I was privileged to shuttle folks from the Heritage Festival to Ferry Farm aboard the trolley and got to meet many interesting folks - school children from Iraq, visitors from up and down the East Coast who wanted to be HERE as they've heard how great a celebration it is. Thanks to everyone who assisted, contributed in some way or participated. We are blessed in our little town indeed.
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