The Shadow
ALLEGHANY HIGHLANDS, Va (VR) – Community spirit and patriotic pride shone so brightly this Independence Day that it demands to be the focal point of this week’s good news around the Highlands article. Clifton Forge and Covington hosted vibrant celebrations that drew residents together in festive commemoration of American independence.
The City of Covington and the Parks and Recreation Department delivered a memorable evening at the Jackson River Sports Complex, transforming the venue into a jubilant festival despite a brief mid-evening rain shower. Local bands Last Chance and The Kings provided musical entertainment that kept attendees dancing and spirits high.
“The crowd was ready to, and the celebration allowed our community to celebrate America’s birthday in style.”
Families enjoyed a diverse array of activities, including always popular bounce houses for children and local food vendors serving traditional festival fare. The highlight of the Covington event was a spectacular 25-to-30-minute fireworks display that captivated attendees of all ages. Local law enforcement ensured smooth traffic flow and overall event safety, contributing to the celebration’s success.
Simultaneously, Clifton Forge hosted its 15th annual Stars and Stripes event, a multi-day celebration beginning July 3, that showcased community unity and patriotic pride. The festivities included a downtown market, a well-attended parade, and a special veteran’s ceremony at the Historic Masonic Theatre. The Clifton Forge event featured diverse programming, including a celebration at the C&O Heritage Center, live music performances, and a community choir concert. Despite a delay in the fireworks display “due to a nearby train, which would have made it dangerous to set the fireworks off,” the overall event was deemed a resounding success by participants.
Both celebrations emphasized the importance of community and national pride. The well-thought-out events highlighted the significance of Independence Day and noted the freedoms secured by previous generations and the ongoing importance of remembering the sacrifices made by military service members. “Not every country has the freedom and liberty that we enjoy every day,” one jubilant attendee spoke aloud, underscoring the event’s deeper meaning beyond mere celebration.
Local law enforcement and community organizations played crucial roles in organizing these events, demonstrating the collaborative spirit of the Alleghany Highlands region. The successful Fourth of July celebrations in both Covington and Clifton Forge serve as powerful reminders of community resilience, shared values, and the enduring spirit of American independence. The pride and positivity exuded from our small communities during such holiday celebrations are more than enough to make anyone proud to be a part of this great nation, and that’s good enough news that it should be printed in every newspaper every week.
Thank you to everyone who has ever served in this great country’s armed forces.
