The Shadow
IRON GATE — At one point Friday night, the 2019 Iron Gate Christmas parade was in jeopardy of being postponed and moved to this upcoming weekend, but parade organizer Chris Fisher said, “Mother Nature changed her tune as the skies stopped dropping rain showers and made for a pretty decent afternoon in Iron Gate.”
Alleghany Highlands residents came out in bunches for Saturday’s parade which took place under the theme of “Toy Story,” which Fisher said was, “All in all, a great parade!”
The parade opened with the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office Color Guard presenting the flags of the United States and the commonwealth of Virginia.
Closely behind the color guard was Iron Gate Mayor Chuck Unroe, who was accompanied by his wife Karen and other family members, and Alleghany County Sheriff Kevin Hall.
In addition to Sheriff Hall, vehicles from the Clifton Forge and Covington police departments went through the heart of Iron Gate.
A little later in the parade, a vehicle honored Grand Marshal Richard Erskine, Iron Gate’s vice mayor.
Erskine who was chosen by the Iron Gate Fire Department to be Grand Marshal, was unable to attend Saturday’s parade due to illness and a recent hospitalization.
Fisher said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Erskine family at this time.”
Ann Erskine, Richard’s wife, rode in the vehicle in his place.
“Quite a surprise,” Erskine said at the time he found out he would be Grand Marshal.
Immediately following Erskine’s vehicle, the Clifton Forge VFW Post 4299 greeted parade attendees.
Erskine also has ties to this group, as he is a member and the usual flag bearer for the Post during Iron Gate Christmas parades.
The first performance group to entertain the crowd, was the Covington Highlighters.
Later in the parade, several entrants that walked through Iron Gate showed their full commitment to the theme, as they dressed as Toy Story characters.
Among those who dressed were the staff of Magic City — Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram.
Other groups who performed for the crowd later in the parade included Kountry Kickers, Southern Steppers, Rebels of Rhythm and the Alleghany High School marching band.
The parade then came to a close with the entire fleet of the Iron Gate Volunteer Fire and Rescue vehicles making their way through town.
One of those vehicles brought Santa to town.
Fisher gave additional thoughts on the 2019 edition of the Iron Gate Christmas parade.
“We were pushing about 70 entries,” he said.
Fisher continued, “We were a few entries off this year, but we knew the weather would play a factor in that.”
Fisher also stated that after the Iron Gate Volunteer Fire and Rescue personnel brought Santa to Iron Gate, Santa stopped by the station to bring joy to the little ones and hear Christmas wishes.
Fisher concluded, “We would like to thank all of those who helped and participated in the parade themed Toy Story.”
Other parade entrants included:
— Iron Gate Town Council members James Mays and Kiwanah Persinger, Jerry Hostetter, Smokey the Bear, Boiling Springs Fire Department, Cheeze Claus (handed out goodies at fire station after the parade).
The 2019 Iron Gate Christmas Parade winners were:
— Religious: Clifton Forge First Assembly of God, first place; Iron Gate Baptist Church, second place;
— Marching: Rebels of Rhythm, first place; Kountry Kickers, second place; Southern Steppers, third place;
— Antique Vehicles (1900-1960): Charlie Mick, first place; Nathan Manspile, second place; Tom Plecker, third place;
— Vehicle: Jimmy Mays, first place; Alleghany Sheriff Cancer Awareness, second place; Junior Allen, third place;
— Rescue Squad: Covington, first place; Clifton Forge, second place; Millboro, third place;
— Fire Department Category B: Effinger, first place; Hot Springs, second place; Millboro, third place;
— Judges Choice: Alleghany Humane Society, first place; AHS Noteworthy, second place; Alleghany High School FFA, third place;
— Race/4×4: Roanoke Mopar Club, first place; Earl Anderson, second place; Trey Brackenridge, third place;
— Novelty: Magic City — Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, first place; Dabney S. Lancaster Community College, second place; Area 18 Highlanders Special Olympics, third place;
— Youth: Sharon Kiwanis Club, first place; Garlynda’s Fancy Feet, second place; Small Town Icee, third place;
— Antique Vehicles (1961-1994): Quinten Walker, first place; Twig Bush, second place; Raymond Fischer, third place;
— Fire Department Category A: Virginia Department of Forestry, first place; Clifton Forge Fire Department, second place; Glen Wilton, third place;
— Antique Fire Engines: Brewbaker Family, first place; Selma Volunteer Fire Department, second place;
— Commerical Vehicles: ANC Auto, first place; Dewey’s, second place; Shadtree Towing, third place;
— Miscellaneous: William Deisher, first place; Rockingham Ready Mix, second place; Scott Hill Retirement Community, third place;
— Fire Department Longest Distance Traveled: Craigsville;
— Rescue Squad Longest Distance Traveled: Boiling Springs;
— Most Christmas Spirit: Bella Pizza;
— Most Comical: Gracie Sales;
— Community Service Award: Covington Highlighters (In memory of Libby Riley, long-time leader of the group who died in October).
The 2019 Alleghany Highlands Christmas parade season will come to a close this weekend with the Hot Springs Christmas parade taking place Saturday, beginning at 2 p.m. and the Millboro Christmas parade scheduled to begin Sunday afternoon, at 3 p.m.
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Magic City Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram won first place in the novelty category during Saturday’s Iron Gate Christmas parade. (Gavin Dressler Photo)
