Stars & Stripes Celebration In Clifton Forge, July 4, 2018   Clifton Forge, VA (June 14, 2018) - On July 4th we will begin the day-long celebration with a parade at 11 a.m., through the Historic Downtown area of Clifton Forge. The theme of this year’s parade is “Honoring all who serve” and will include a special tribute to First Responders. Everyone is invited to participate in the parade! Just wear your best red, white, and blue-wave a flag, decorate your bike or vehicle and join in on the fun. At the conclusion of the parade everyone is invited to gather at the Town Hall steps to honor our special guests, WW II veterans, the Korean War, World War II Cadet Nurses, as well as veterans from our more recent wars and other conflicts and representatives of First Responders. There will be a reading of selections from The Declaration of Independence and a ceremonial raising of our Nation’s flag. Following the reading at the Town Hall steps we encourage you to follow our bagpipers on a walk across our “Bridge to Everywhere” and join us at the Masonic Amphitheatre for an afternoon concert by the crowd favorite Silverbacks. A Theatre Fundraiser Picnic Lunch will be available on the grounds of the Masonic Amphitheatre where folks can enjoy a relaxing afternoon strolling through the park-like setting, and children can enjoy face painting by Courtney Fridley Howard. At 6 PM, the grounds of the C & O Heritage Center open to the public, free of charge, for an evening of informal fun, food and festivities with our neighbors and friends. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy some classic American picnic food. The Henry Downing Band will kick off the evening of live entertainment followed by the 50 member Celebration Chorale who will be performing a patriotic cantata. This outstanding presentation will include a Retreat of the Colors. The miniature train at the Heritage Center will also be available to ride, for a small fee. When darkness settles in Clifton Forge, we will once again be thrilled by the spectacle of a brilliant fireworks display set against the backdrop of our majestic mountains here in the Alleghany Highlands - What a fitting close to our day-long celebration. The Stars and Stripes Committee hopes you will set aside this special holiday to join us in a day-long celebration of our Nation’s 242nd birthday. Clifton Forge Main Street President, Kara Caldwell, asks that you “Please join us in a very unique small town celebration that you are sure to enjoy”. To participate in the parade call 540- 862-2000 or email cfmainstreet@ntelos.net. See you in Clifton Forge July 4th.

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