The parade was well attended, even though we had to move it from last weekend. This was the 23rd annual Christmas Parade in Iron Gate, sponsored by the Town of Iron Gate and Iron Gate Vol. Fire & Rescue.
Jimmy Jeffries served as the parade marshal, riding in Wagon 1, Iron Gate Fire Departments, first out engine, by his request. Jimmy has been a member of the for department for 58 years, and served as fire chief from 1987 to 1995. Jimmy and his family are also active members at the Methodist Church in Iron Gate. Jimmy, is also very active in Iron Gate, and regularly attends both the town council meetings, and the fire department meetings, as well.
The parade featured 101 entries, themed “STAR WARS CHRISTMAS.”
Here are other entries that participated this year:
Alleghany County / Covington Sheriff’s Office
Clifton Forge Police
Richard Erskine
Clifton Forge VFW Post 4299
2023 Alleghany Highlands Christmas Mother, Beckie Perkins
Kyle Moore, Sheriff Elect
Chris Broughman
Phillip & Judy White
Shriners Mini Cars
Milton & Lucy Mays
Matthew Lindsey
Caleb Keyser
Willie, Ethan, and Jet Campbell
Iron Gate Mayor, Gary Craig
Jerry Belcher
Connor Fisher (who is credited for this year’s theme)
The Unroe Family, for providing snacks and hot chocolate for the parade
Mountain Gateway Community College
Santa Claus
Iron Gate Fire Dept.
Iron Gate Rescue Squad
All in all, it was a great day for a parade. We had so many horses and riders, the most ever, and also so many cars and antique cars. The Christmas Spirit was definitely alive in Iron Gate and the Alleghany Highlands this season!