The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE — The 2018 Alleghany Highlands Christmas Parade season kicked off Friday night in Clifton Forge.
The theme of the 2018 Clifton Forge Christmas Parade was “Santa’s Work-shop.”
The parade took a somber tone due to the recent death of Mayor Carl Brinkley, who passed away last week after an ongoing battle with cancer. He had been chosen to serve as parade marshal.
Vice Mayor Gayle Hillert, who served as the parade marshal in his place, rode in a vehicle with an insignia in Brinkley’s honor.
Brinkley’s absence was felt by everyone in the Clifton Forge community and was recognized by those involved with the parade.
“It was nice seeing his name on the car as it went by,” said Jane Greenwood of Lollie’s Quilt Shop, who served as one of the parade judges.
Anne Adcock of the Colorful Chameleon, who was also a judge, said, “He would’ve been cheering louder than anyone. He was such a good soul.”
Carol Almarez, who was the third judge for the parade, said, “We missed him in the parade. He would’ve loved to been there and see the community come together. I’m sorry he couldn’t be here.”
Kelly?Dean, secretary of Clifton Forge Main Street, Inc., who played a role in organizing the parade was thankful to the numerous volunteers and participants who helped make it a success.
“On behalf of Clifton Forge Main Street, I want to thank the 60 participants who participated in the parade. I?also want to thank the numerous volunteers and town employees who helped plan and direct the parade. Thank you to everyone who helped put the parade on,”?Dean stated.
The following entrants received winning honors Friday night:
— Best Religious Entry:?Epworth United Methodist Church;
— Best Private Vehicle Entry:?Motorcycle Group;
— Best Public Vehicle Entry:?Iron Gate Fire Department;
— Best Marching Unit:?Alleghany?High School Marching Band;
— Best Dance Entry:?Covington Highlighters;
— Best Clogging Entry:?Rebels of Rhythm;
— Most Creative Entry:?S.J. Neathawk;
— Best Animal Entry: Triscuit and Biscuit (Dogs);
— Best Float: Kazim Shriners “Mystic Pirates”;
— Judges’ Favorites: CMS Falcon Cheerleaders.
Other parade participants included:
— Shirley Mundy, Covington High School Marching Band, Garlynda’s Fancy Feet, Mary Johnson and Jennifer Reynolds, Alleghany Humane Society, Lily Burns, Randy Tinsley and sister, Clifton Forge Kroger’s, Clifton Forge Little League, Scott Hill Retirement Community, local Masons, Nicely-Meadows Family Farm, Area 18 Highlanders Special Olympics, Nikki Dressler, Girl Scout Troup 536, Alleghany Highlands Christmas Mother Michele Wright (escorted by Covington Girl Scout Troop 1323 and Clifton Forge Girl Scout Troop 536), Logan Humphries, Dabney S. Lancaster Community College, Fincastle Baptist Church, Clif-ton Forge Rescue Squad, Tammy and Carter Entsminger, Rockingham Redi-Mix, Mike Bowen. Elvis Blue Christmas, Safehome Systems, Inc., Highlands Media Group, Bella and Goldie Roark, Jan Coffey, Moe Tingler, Shad-tree Towing, Jim Cash, Kars Unlimited, Dreama Tingler, Kendra and Megan Humphries/Autumn Mace, Girl Scout Troop 375, Clear Creek Rod and Gun Club, Clifton Forge High School Alumni, Cheeze Claus, Outlaw Landscape, Coving-ton Fire Department, Alleghany Highlands Art Council, Keaton Fisher with Crime Dogs, Chris Fisher with Jeff Irvine, Local Boy Scouts, Baylee Peters, B.P.O.E. Lodge 1065, Covington Rescue Squad, Covington Fire Department, Falling Spring Fire Department, Clifton Forge Fire Department, Sharon Fire Department, Boiling Springs Fire and Rescue, Iron Gate Fire and Rescue, Hot Springs Fire Department, Ray Keen with Santa Claus.
Clifton Forge Christmas Parade volunteers included:
— Clifton Forge Public Works, David and Carol Davis of the C.F. Lions Club, Clifton Forge Police Department, Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office, Clifton Forge Town Manager Dar-lene Burcham and staff, Clifton Forge Main Street Board, Lisa Jonas, Gar-lynda’s Fancy Feet Dancers and Lily McClung, judges Anne Adcock, Jane Green-wood and Carol Almarez, Clifton Forge Town Council, Parade Marshal Gayle Hillert.
The Alleghany Highlands Christmas Parade season will continue at 5 p.m. this evening with the 2018 Covington Christmas Par-ade.
