Brundidge parade set for Saturday
Published 11:00 pm Monday, June 25, 2012
The Brundidge Independence Day Parade is set for Saturday and between 75 and 100 entries are expected.
“We have a great lineup for our parade again this year,” said Rue Botts, chair of the Brundidge Business Association’s annual parade. “We encourage everyone that would like to join the parade to call 334-735-3125 to reserve a spot. Those who don’t call and come in on Saturday will have to find a place at the end of the line. But, we welcome everyone and hope to have the biggest parade ever.”
All entries are asked to have a patriotic theme or, at least, display the colors of Old Glory – red, white and blue.
Parade entries are scheduled to gather at 8 a.m. at the National Guard Armory on U.S. Highway 231 with the parade stepping off on its Main Street route at 9 a.m.
The Brundidge Independence Day Parade will be led by the 98th Army Band from Fort Rucker.
“The Fort Rucker Band will lead the parade through town and then step out at the Bass House and play while the other entries pass,” Botts said. “Everyone really enjoys hearing this outstanding military band and we greatly appreciate their participation in our Independence Day Parade.”
The parade traditionally features queens from area counties and towns.
“This year we already have 46 towns that will be represented by their queens who will represent them at the annual Peanut Festival in Dothan in the fall,” Botts said. “So, this is a good opportunity for us to showcase our community.
“The parade will also have a variety of entries, including city and county dignitaries, antique vehicles, horses, wagons, motorcycles, ball teams, fire departments and no telling what else. We can guarantee it will be a fun parade.”
Following the parade, everyone will be invited to gather at the Knox Ryals Pavilion where Chuck Caraway, Brundidge Business Association president, and Mayor Jimmy Ramage will welcome everyone to Brundidge and the queens from the various communities will be introduced. Then, the queens will be invited to attend a tea in their honor at Brundidge Station.
The downtown stores will be open and merchants will have specials for the day. Bella Zaire, a new art shop, will be open and studio 116 will host its Summer Slam grand opening.
“We invite everyone to take this opportunity to enjoy the parade and then stay and visit our downtown shops and see what all Brundidge has to offer,” Botts said.