Parade set for July 1

By JAINE TREADWELL

Features Editor

The 10th Annual Independence Day Parade in Brundidge will be the first opportunity of the new millennium to honor America’s independence and the Brundidge Business Association is working hard to make the parade the best ever.

The parade will begin its march at

9 a.m. Saturday, July 1 and entries are still being accepted for the patriotic celebration, said Rue Botts, parade chairperson.

"We want everyone to show their patriotism by participating in the parade or lining Main Street as spectators," Botts said. "The theme of this year’s parade will coincide with our town’s salute to veterans, ‘Celebrating a Century of Heroes,’ June 30. Our veterans deserve to be honored and we hope to have as many of them as possible ride in the parade. We owe a great debt of gratitude to them and we want to show them our appreciation."

A special addition to the Independence Day Parade 2000 will be patriotic music played street side and from the chimes at Salem Baptist Church.

Botts said eight professional floats from Brundidge and two others will highlight the parade which will be led by the Pride of Pike Marching Band from Pike County High School and the PCHS JROTC color guard and drill team.

The parade will include queens from 30 towns who will represent their communities in the National Peanut Festival Pageant in November.

"We always enjoy having the queens participate in the parade because it gives us an opportunity to bring visitors from all around the area to our town," Botts said.

The Shriners have requested three spots in the parade and they are always highlights of the parade.

Horses, wagons, classic vehicles, go-carts, clowns, cheerleaders and ball teams are all parade traditions. And, this election year, political hopefuls will also take the opportunity to wave the red, white and blue.

Botts said state officials, including the Gov. Don Siegelman and State Treasurer Lucy Baxley, have been invited to participate along with city and county officials.

Immediately following the parade, an outstanding lineup of entertainment will take the stage at Knox Ryals Pavilion on the lawn of the historic Bass House/City Hall.

"In addition to the entertainment, we will have hot dogs, hamburgers and sliced watermelon provided by Garrett’s IGA and several churches will have sweet treats for sale," Botts said.

Brundidge merchants will have in-store promotions and sidewalk sales to entice parade watchers to visit their stores and see the wide variety of merchandise Brundidge has to offer.

"We are looking forward to a day of honoring our country and our veterans," Botts said. "We want to extend as special invitation to everyone in our area to join us for this day of patriotic celebration."

The deadline for entry in the parade is Tuesday, June 27. To enter, or for more information, call Rue Botts at 735-3125.

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