Parade set for July 4

BY SUSAN GIBBS Record Reporter
Published: June 26, 2008

Stanardsville’s Fourth of July Parade might be right around the corner, but there’s still time to be a part of it.
“We can include people who call no later than (Monday) June 30th, says Organizer Beth Borntrager.
The annual celebration, sponsored by Stanardsville Area Revitalization (*STAR*), is set for Friday, July 4 at 10 a.m..
The Ruckersville Volunteer Fire Department will raise a flag over Main Street, the Declaration of Independence will be read, the National Anthem will be sung, and the Parade will begin making its way out of the Nathanael Greene Elementary School parking lot.
Led by Greene County Sheriff Scott Haas, it will then proceed down Main Street, where it will turn onto Blakey Street beside the Lafayette Inn, and end at William Monroe High School.
Stanardsville Mayor Gary Lowe will announce each float as it proceeds toward the Lafayette Inn and turns right on Blakey Street.
“This year, we’d like to have more young people involved,” says Borntrager. “Getting them involved can only benefit us.”
And: “They can build a float, march with a group, or simply help out,” she adds.
They will be in good company: As of press time, there were more than 30 units - marching, riding in cars or on floats—scheduled to participate.
Some of those are: American Legionnaires from Greene’s Post 128; several Brownie and Girl Scout troops; Elbert Shifflett Antique Autos; the Greene County Homeschoolers; J.R. Meadows and his mule, Dirty Sally; Peggy Moyers as Miss Liberty; the Stanardsville Reenactment Group; Stitches to Fit; and, professional juggler David Vandeveer. Habitat for Humanity is planning to enter a float. All three volunteer fire departments - Dyke, Ruckersville and Stanardsville - will be joining the march, along with the Greene County Rescue Squad.
And, the festivities include more than the Parade.
There will be plenty to eat and drink right around Town Square.
The Greene County Republicans will be giving away watermelon slices and Domino’s will be selling pizza.
For those who want a spot with a good vantage point, the Lafayette Inn is accepting reservations - at $10 a head - for a place on its balcony, where French toast sticks, strawberries and whipped cream, and optional adult beverages will be served.
Right after the Parade - from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.—the Stanardsville United Methodist Church, abutting Courthouse Square, will be putting on a BBQ fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity. Fundraisers will be serving homemade pork BBQ, baked beans, cole slaw, chips, beverage and dessert. The cost will be $8 for adults, $4 for children 2-6 years old, and nothing for children under two. Tickets are available at the door.
Those who would like to participate are asked to call Borntrager at (434) 985-6226