Weather Holds Off for Annual PVFD Homecoming Parade

By Heather Clower
The Parsons Advocate

            Just shortly after the clock tower chimed twice, the sirens whaled and vehicles with the blue lights flashing blocked the road marking the commencement of the 78th Annual Parsons Volunteer Fire Department Homecoming Parade.  Excited patrons young and old lined the streets excited to see the Parsons City and Tucker County Police Departments making their way through the streets.  The children waited patiently, bags in tow, ready to rush out and collect the goodies tossed from the parade entries and waving at anyone willing to wave back.

            As the local police lead the way, they were followed by The Highlander’s playing ‘Amazing Grace’ and other musical selections on their bagpipes and percussion instruments.  Local rescue and fire trucks flashed their light bars, followed by County Clerk Sherry Simmons passing out candy in front of a truck bed with Tucker County Commissioners Lowell Moore and Fred Davis along with County Administrator, Joel Goughnour.  Fortunately, the Commissioners had assistance with some youngsters in tow making sure the proper amount of candy made its way into the awaiting crowd.

            From Junior, the Country Beauty Twirlers boot scooted their way to the beat while twirling and tossing their batons to some Brooks and Dunn followed by the DiBacco Family in a classic Chevrolet representing Southern States.  Whizzing and zig-zagging back and forth were the Shriner’s on their super buggies as they engaged with the crowd and revved their engines.  Quite possibly the most famous guests of the parade were two members of The Paw Patrol, Marshall the fire pup and Chase the police dog.  Children squealed with delight yanking on their parents shirts with excitement to make sure they seen their beloved heroes.

            The Strutters Baton and Dance group danced their way through the parade as they demonstrated their musical routines followed by the Nelson Family representing Accurate Auto Estimators and Collision Repair.  The Coalton Fire Department joined the celebration in front of our local ambulance.  Pure County Twirlettes twirled their batons and performed their routine for the crowd leading up to the 2018 Tucker County Fair Royalty.  Leading Creek Fire Department waved from their rig as they tossed candy followed by Thomas VFD and Rescue Trucks.  Women’s Aid in Crisis strolled by along with the Rising Stars Twirlettes showing off their moves.

            The St. George Medical Clinic Staff and Family had a beautiful floral float in tow as not only candy was tossed to the youngsters, but also American flags and potted flowers to the ladies. Shop N’ Save Express made their way through the parade route along with the Davis VFD.  The Fourteenth District State Senator Randy Smith waved to the community he loves and represents, followed by Miss WV 2018 Monarch Miss, Jaelyn Myers.  Finishing out the entrants of the celebration was representatives of the Rowlesburg Rescue Squad, Parsons VFD, and Tygarts Valley Rescue.