Glen Alpine preps to host America250 Parade

On Saturday, July 4, the United States will celebrate its 250th birthday and the town of Glen Alpine will celebrate its own historic milestone: hosting Burke County’s official America250 Parade.

The parade will kick off at 10 a.m. that morning in the heart of downtown.

The town has held its own July Fourth parade annually for 68 years, attracting not only town residents but patriotic spectators from around the county.

Being named the official site for the America250 Parade puts the small town in a position of responsibility and prestige as well as being tasked with preparing for a larger parade audience than usual.

After being asked in February to host the parade, Glen Alpine formed its own Parade Committee. The group, spearheaded by town residents DeAnna Boone and Crystal Carswell, is composed of town volunteers, aldermen, and the mayor.

They have been meeting two to three times a week since then, contacting businesses, mapping out the route, and prepping for crowds.

While the committee understands the significance and excitement of the parade, Boone said that it has been hard to convince some residents to support the effort.

Acknowledging the inconvenience of summer, and the holiday falling on a weekend, Boone said the committee has had to get creative in order to bring people together.

“It is a major time commitment,” said Boone. “But this is a big deal. This is the 250th birthday of our country, and a historic milestone for the country, state, community, and Glen Alpine.”

Boone, who works in staff development at J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center, has been particularly invested in this parade because of her love to serve people, especially her community.

One of the struggles that the committee has faced has been the necessity of asking participants to sign up in advance. In the past, anything from tame chickens to fire trucks could simply show up and join the parade.

Now participants are being asked to register ahead of time to be accurately accounted for. While the committee is receiving entry forms daily, some Glen Alpine residents have not been supportive of this switch, Boone said.

The change is the necessary product of a couple of what Boone terms “exciting advancements,” the most prominent being the introduction of a parade announcer.

Kris Carson of Kicks 103.3 Radio has volunteered to announce each participant as the parade takes its course. Those who miss the sign-up will miss being properly recognized.

In addition to changes in the parade routine, the post-parade festivities have been revamped to suit an event drawing attendees from around the county.

Vendors will be selling their wares; food trucks will be offering an opportunity for lunch and music will fill the air after the parade concludes.

The annual Miss Turkey Tail pageant has been reimagined into a full-blown competition, complete with a brand-new Turkey Tail Crown, crafted by Glen Alpine local Patsy Scott.

The town is also introducing a Sidewalk Chalk competition, looking to include their child audience even further.

“I see clear skies for Glen Alpine,” said Boone. “This is a great opportunity to build lasting memories and move the town forward.”