By Mary-Justine Lanyon
Green Valley Lake may be a small community but its residents know how to throw a party and celebrate the Fourth of July in a big way.
In addition to decorated cars, there were flamingoes, a duck and even a horse in the parade.
The community’s artisans generally hold studio tours on three weekends of the year – Memorial Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving – but this year, for the first time, many of them gathered at the community garden to hold an artisan fair on July 4 and 5.
There was bread, jewelry, candles, hand-painted cards, knitted and fabric items and local photos – all made by local artisans.
The parade – sponsored by the Mountain Community Alliance and called the shortest in the U.S. – stepped off at 11 a.m. It started by the post office, marched through town, then turned around and returned on the same route.
Patrick Huckaby and Isaac Mraz manned the microphone, announcing each entry as it passed by. Some folks had signed up just moments before the parade began, adding to the excitement.
The parade was filled with decorated cars, golf carts and wagons. There were flamingoes, a duck and a horse cavorting down Green Valley Lake Road.
Three-year-old Ava waved to the crowd as she rode her tricycle down the parade route. Her family said she just loves being in the parade, something she has done every year of her young life.
As the parade looped back around, the first and last entries passed each other, adding to the fun.
Artisans gathered at the community garden for a weekend fair.
Meanwhile, the firefighters from the local County Fire station fired up their grill. Once the parade ended, folks lined up to purchase burgers or hot dogs, accompanied by chips and a drink.
And just down the street at the Black Dog Social Club, Preachin Jay and the Young Fashioned had started to play, drawing a crowd who sat and listened. Lead singer Jay said he had been inspired by Muddy Waters, which was evident in the band’s bluesy sound.
Later in the afternoon the celebration continued with games for children, a hula hoop contest and a boat parade. And on July 5, folks were invited to bring their baskets for a picnic in the park at the Lilleberg Museum where they could also enjoy an ice cream social.
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