The Blowing Rock 4th of July Parade was a grand ol' time.
By David Rogers. BLOWING ROCK, N.C. — An estimated five thousand people came out of the downtown woodwork to watch Blowing Rock go to the dogs, dinosaurs, sharks and Elvis impersonators on July 1. Oh, and there were a myriad number of Uncle Sam and Betsy Ross lookalikes. Of course, it was the annual Blowing Rock 4th of July Parade down Main Street, with lots of fun had by all.
There were elected officials, cloggers, old cars — and candy thrown in every direction to a scramble of youngsters, many of whom came prepared with large plastic bags to in which to store their captured treasures. Trick or treating on Halloween never had it so good.
Noticeably missing: marching bands and App State.
In all, according to Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce sources, there were 75 parade entries and it took just under an hour for them all to make their way down Main Street and through the teeming throng.
CAPTURED MOMENTS
All photographic images by David Rogers
Mayor Charlie Sellers and wife DeatraTown Council member Pete Gherini and ‘best friend’ were stylin’ as they cruised down Main Street near the front of the Blowing Rock 4th of July Parade on July 1.Parades bring out not only elected officials but those aspiring to be elected, too, like Cat Perry, candidate for Town Council.North Carolina Representative Ray Pickett was all smiles sharing the parade experience on July 1, down Main Street in Blowing Rock.Watauga County Commissioners Braxton Eggers, left, and Todd Castle had a good time waving to the crowd on July 1, cruising down Main Street in the Blowing Rock 4th of July Parade.‘Uncle Sam’ and ‘Betsy Ross’ had good seats for the 2023 Blowing Rock 4th of July Parade.Hear them roar!There’s ‘Uncle Sam’ again, this time riding a well-appointed ‘beast.’Flyover! on July 1, during the Blowing Rock 4th of July Parade down Main Street.There were a number of good causes represented in the July 1 4th of July Parade down Blowing Rock’s Main Street, like the High Country Breast Cancer Foundation.‘Uncle Sam’ changed hats AND companions!
Driver Bob Hartnett was navigating down Main Street in the 4th of July Parade in a 40-yearold Chrysler on July 1.Yikes! Help this guy out. He has been swallowed by a shark!This crew is properly outfitted for an outdoor adventure!There aren’t very many World War II veterans still alive, so H.C. Moretz of the High Country is special, indeed!
Whether portraying Janis Joplin in ‘Groovy Nights’ or sauntering down Main Street in a patriotic gown, Jenny Miller is ‘Miss America.’
Although it may look like a consortium of octopuses invaded Blowing Rock for the 4th of July Parade, those are actually supposed to be ‘fireworks’. Hot stuff!
The redcoats are coming! The redcoats are coming! Is the nose ring standard issue in the 1776 British Army?Past president of the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, Ronnie Marks of Shoppes on the Parkway lent a hand on July 1 in introducing the Chamber’s 4th of July Parade entry.
Folks can get their ‘Bear Essentials’ at the Cabin Fever retail store on Main Street!Did we mention that the Blowing Rock 4th of July Parade on July 1 was humungus?These Watauga High School cheerleaders were full of… well, of good cheer!
Sometimes the parade participants fell a little short in throwing their candy to the crowd, requiring some of the kids to take matters into their own hands.Blowing Rock TDA executive director Tracy Brown served as emcee for the 2023 edition of Blowing Rock’s 4th of July Parade.Here’s ‘Uncle Sam’ again, this time dressed up like attorney Rick Mattar!
I hope these dinosaurs are vegetarians!
‘We’re so cute, don’t you think they should make us grand marshals of this parade?’
