The Shadow
IRON GATE — The Polar Express rolled through Iron Gate as the third parade of the 2018 Alleghany High-lands Christmas Parade season took place Saturday afternoon.
This was the 17th annual Iron Gate Christmas Parade and was a highly anticipated edition, according to Parade Coordinator Chris Fisher.
“Even the threat throughout the week of a major snowstorm could not slow down the excitement and Christmas spirit felt in the air,”?Fisher said.
He continued, “We dodged a major storm by less than half of a day, and we all felt like the parade was a huge success.
Gary Showalter was this year’s parade marshal, and retired NASCAR driver Rick Mast served as this year’s special guest.
Mast attended the parade in honor of the late Cary Reid, a former fire chief and member of the Iron Gate Volunteer Fire Department.
After the conclusion of the parade, Santa Claus made an appearance at the Iron Gate Firehouse for pictures and to hear the children’s Christmas gift wishes.
“We had a few hiccups, but all in all, we felt like the parade was well attended, and the participants went all out with their entries. The Christmas season is special throughout the Highlands, and one reason is the area Christmas parades,”?Fisher said following Saturday’s parade.
The following entrants received winning honors Saturday afternoon:
— Religious Float: First Assembly of God — Clifton Forge (first place), Iron Gate Baptist Church (second place), Fincastle Baptist Church (third place;
— Novelty Float: S.J. Neathawk (first place), Clifton Forge Little League (second place), DSLCC (third place);
— Youth Entries: CMS Cheerleaders (first place), Covington Highlighters (second place), Girl Scout Troop 564 (third place);
— Judges’ Choice:?Sharon Elementary School Kiwanis Club (first place), Alleghany Humane Society (second place), AHS Noteworthy (third place);
— Miscellaneous: Teresa Goldberg — Mini Donkey (first place), Bella Pizza (second place), Clear Creek Rod & Gun Club (third place);
— Most Comical Entry:?Gracie Sales;
— Most Christmas Spirit: Ultimate Dance Explosion;
— Equestrian (Horses): Carolina Via and Kaden (first place), Starlet Smith — Pony (second place), Logan Humphries (third place);
— Marching:?Rebels of Rhythm (first place), Area 18 Special Olympics (second place), Garlynda’s Fancy Feet (third place);
— Antique Cars (1900-1955):?Plecker Family (first place), Twig Bush (second place), Charlie Mick (third place);
— Antique Cars (1956-1993): J.R. Allen (first place), Mike Bowen (second place), Raymond Fischer (third place);
— Fire Departments (Category A): Covington Fire Department (first place), Sharon Fire Depart-ment (second place), Selma Fire Department (third place);
— Fire Departments (Category B): Boiling Springs Fire Department (first place), Millboro Fire Department (second place), Effinger Fire Department (third place);
— Antique Fire Engines: Brewbaker Family (first place), Selma Volunteer Fire Department (second place), Millboro Fire Department (third place);
— Modern Vehicle: John W. Smith (first place), Richard Shull (second place), Mo Tingler (third place);
— Commercial Vehicle: Shadtree Towing (first place), Dewey’s (second place), Simmons Auto (third place);
— Fire Department (Longest Distance Travel-ed): Effinger Fire Depart-ment;
— Rescue Squad (Longest Distance Traveled):?Boiling Springs Fire Department;
— Honorable Mentions: Dennis Dew, Cheeze Claus, William Deisher, Good News Girl Scouts.
Other parade participants included:
Richard Erskine, representing VFW Post No. 4299, Alleghany County Sheriff Kevin Hall, Deputy Ricky Bates (Breast Cancer Awareness Patrol Car), Clifton Forge Police Depart-ment, Covington Police Department, 2018 Alleg-hany Highlands Christmas Mother Michele Wright, with Girl Scout Troop No. 536, Brielle Smith — Tiny Miss Staunton, Goldie Roark — Jr. Ms. Queen of Hearts, Terry Haynes, Shriners, Vonkurea Legg — Tiny Ms. Bath County, Scott Hill, Leland Dressler, Mary Johnson, Janice Coffey, Tim Helms, Highlands Media Group, Safehome Systems, Inc., Dreama Tingler — Miss Fall Foliage, Outlaw Landscaping, Amy and Dwayne Nicely, Rocking-ham Ready Mix, The Andrews and The Elvis Blue Christmas, Iron Gate Mayor Chuck and Karen Unroe, Iron Gate Town Council members Kawahna Per-singer and James Mays, Republic Ambulance Ser-vice, GD&L, Kendra Humphries — Horse Entry, Autumn Mace — Horse Entry, Jason and Frank — Horse Entry, Iron Gate Volunteer Fire & Rescue.
The 2018 Alleghany Highlands Christmas Par-ade season will conclude this weekend with parades taking place on consecutive days.
The first will be the Hot Springs Christmas Parade taking place Saturday, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m., and the second will be the Millboro Christmas Parade taking place Sunday, Dec. 16, at 3 p.m.
