The Shadow
The 2018 Alleghany Highlands Christmas Parade season continued Saturday evening with the Covington Christmas Parade.
Sponsored by Olde Town Covington, the theme for this year’s parade was “Hometown Holidays.”
Although it was a cool, drizzly night, residents of the Alleghany Highlands still came out to take in the floats and get in the spirit of Christmas.
The public got a first-hand look at an example of Christmas Spirit when James “Cheeze Claus”?Smith stopped mid-parade to hand out two special gifts in addition to the stuffed animals he usually distributes. Two lucky youths who attended the parade were the recipients of a bicycle and a mini-motorcycle.
The Covington Christmas Parade also coincided with a significant event in the history of Covington, its 200th anniversary. To commemorate the anniversary, cake was served to those attending the parade.
To incorporate the 200th anniversary of Covington, 200 pieces of cake were served.
“Thanks to Theresa McCoy of Cakes Your Way and Cheyenne Sweeney of Art Squared for providing space and serving the birthday cake for the 200th anniversary of Covington,”?Debby Sibold of Olde Town Covington said.
Sibold continued, “I also wanted to give thanks to Alleghany Asphalt, the Virginian Review, Garten Trucking, Highlands Community Bank, B.A. Rupert and Covington Farm and Fuel for their support as sponsors.”
The following entrants received winning honors Saturday night:
— Best Religious Entry:?Fincastle Baptist Church (first place), First Assembly of God (second place);
— Novelty:?Elvis — Blue Christmas (first place), Dabney S. Lancaster Community College and S.J. Neathawk (second place, tie), Outlaw Landscaping (third place);
— Best All-Around:?Kazim Shriners — Mystic Pirates (ship built by Mike Henderson);
— Best Marching Unit:?Covington Highlighters;
Equestrian — Hannah Groves.
Other parade participants included:
Covington Division of Police vehicle (driven by Chief Anthony Morgan), Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office vehicle (driven by Sergeant Chris Fisher), 2018 Alleghany Highlands Christmas Mother Michele Wright, escorted by Covington Girl Scouts Troop 1323 and Clifton Forge Girls Scout Troop 536, Covington Fire Department (Truck 3, Tanker 3, Engine 3), Covington Rescue Squad, All Terrain Vehicles, Rocking-ham Redi-Mix, Garten Trucking, Boiling Springs Rescue Squad, Boiling Springs Fire Department, Bath Community Hospital.
Also, Covington High School Marching Band, Scott Hill Retirement Community, Selma Fire Department, Good News Girl Scout Troop 375, Lumos Network, Clifton Forge Rescue Squad, Highlands Media Group, Alleghany Highlands Community Services, Alleghany Highlands Arts Council, Hot Springs Fire Department, Cub Scout Pack 26, Senior Miss Queen of Hearts Shelby Leichter, Little Miss Queen of Hearts Community Service Award Winner Baylee Gibson, Safehome Systems, Inc., Iron Gate Fire and Rescue, Miss Fall Foliage Dreama Tingler, Little Miss Queen of Hearts Tiana Allen, Kars Unlimited, Alleghany High School Marching Band, Sharon Fire Department, local Masonic lodges, Falling Spring Fire Department, First Christian Church, Alleghany Humane Society, 4-H.
The Iron Gate Christmas Parade is next on the schedule. It will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8
