Well-known local resident, Jack Backels, left, is presented a nice, patriotic "flag" gift from his many friends...

Parade, Evening Festivities In Clifton Forge Draw Huge Crowd   Clifton Forge, VA (July 4, 2015) - The annual Clifton Forge 4th of July parade was a big hit with area residents, featuring all sorts of floats, area organizations and emergency related vehicles as well as patriotic citizens waving flags and more. The reading of the Declaration of Independence, a standard feature of the day, was held on the courthouse steps and resident Jack Backels was presented a unique flag gift for his continuous and longstanding support of the community and his country. Evening activities at the C&0 Railway Heritage Center on the 4th of July turned out to be hugely popular among regional residents, with the crowd swelling into a couple thousand as the fireworks display approached. The Ladies of Liberty entertained the crowd with a number of patriotic songs and later, the well-known Celebration Choir, conducted by Dale Muterspaugh, drew applause from the crowd as the group sang favorites like America The Beautiful and other nationally recognized selections. The fireworks display, in both its length and quality, seemed to be hugely popular as well. Downtown Clifton Forge traffic was way above normal, but the Clifton Forge Police Department was on hand to help keep congestion down. Local organizations turned out to supply the crowd with ice cream and other treats and barbecue was available as well. "I loved the choral sections," said one lady. "This is one of the best fourth of July's ever." Click the following link to access a big slideshow of the event, including several shots of the fireworks display: C. F. 4th of July Evening Slideshow C. F. 4th of July Parade Slideshow PLUS, we've uploaded two videos of the Ladies of Liberty singing songs and included a couple of tunes played by the Virginia Highlands Pipes and Drums band. Please find them on the AlleghanyJournal.com Facebook page The fireworks display was stunning. Here is just one example. Clifton Forge Main Street's Debbie Faulkenbury shows her patriotism... Some Jack Mason's Tavern employees turned out to celebrate the paraders.

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