Old Timers' Parade biggest ever

  • Patriotism was everywhere in Blue Ridge.
    Patriotism was everywhere in Blue Ridge.
  • The Humane Society of Blue Ridge was on hand, as were several personal pets. The one at the right needed a drink of water as the morning heat increased.
    The Humane Society of Blue Ridge was on hand, as were several personal pets. The one at the right needed a drink of water as the morning heat increased.
  • This young man seemed to be more interested in other things than the parade.
    This young man seemed to be more interested in other things than the parade.
  • *
    *
  • Parade goers were treated to candy from many floats.
    Parade goers were treated to candy from many floats.
  • Paul Hunter passed out flags from the Disabled American Veterans van.
    Paul Hunter passed out flags from the Disabled American Veterans van.
  • Children gather to receive free flags from Chapter 28 of the Disabled American Veterans.
    Children gather to receive free flags from Chapter 28 of the Disabled American Veterans.
  • First Fruits reminded parade goers of their upcoming fundraiser September 12.
    First Fruits reminded parade goers of their upcoming fundraiser September 12.
  • Blue Ridge Community Theater actresses encouraged parade goers to get ready for the next performance.
    Blue Ridge Community Theater actresses encouraged parade goers to get ready for the next performance.
  • This young lady showed off her skills.
    This young lady showed off her skills.
  • The Humane Society of Blue Ridge was on hand, as were several personal pets. The one at the right needed a drink of water as the morning heat increased.
    The Humane Society of Blue Ridge was on hand, as were several personal pets. The one at the right needed a drink of water as the morning heat increased.
  • Blue Ridge Mayor Rhonda Haight and her special friend enjoyed the Saturday parade.
    Blue Ridge Mayor Rhonda Haight and her special friend enjoyed the Saturday parade.
  • United States flags waved, left photo, as emergency equipment carrying a variety of riders made its way through the parade route in downtown Blue Ridge.
    United States flags waved, left photo, as emergency equipment carrying a variety of riders made its way through the parade route in downtown Blue Ridge.
  • United States flags waved, left photo, as emergency equipment carrying a variety of riders made its way through the parade route in downtown Blue Ridge.
    United States flags waved, left photo, as emergency equipment carrying a variety of riders made its way through the parade route in downtown Blue Ridge.
  • United States flags waved, left photo, as emergency equipment carrying a variety of riders made its way through the parade route in downtown Blue Ridge.
    United States flags waved, left photo, as emergency equipment carrying a variety of riders made its way through the parade route in downtown Blue Ridge.
  • This youngster was fascinated by the large crowd gathered for the Old Timers’ Parade.
    This youngster was fascinated by the large crowd gathered for the Old Timers’ Parade.
  • Smoky, the Fannin County Fire Department’s mascot, visited with this youngster before the start of the Old Timer’s Parade.
    Smoky, the Fannin County Fire Department’s mascot, visited with this youngster before the start of the Old Timer’s Parade.

    The annual Old Timers’ Parade brought a crowd estimated to be in the thousands by officials to Blue Ridge July 4.

    The Independence Day event featured participants that stretched all around the downtown area.

    As some participants were getting started at the corner of East Main and Church streets, others could be seen finishing the route across the railroad tracks at West Main and Church streets.

    The parade preceded a concert in the park and the annual fireworks show at Blue Ridge Lake.