Beech 4th

This is our fourth annual Fourth of July Beech Parade report!

As you can see by the banner that follows the U.S. and NC State flags to lead off the procession, this is the 128th consecutive parade.

As usual, there were kids on bikes and people walking dogs and riding decorated horses....

...and a few modern cars.

There seemed to be more decorated vehicles of various sizes and shapes than usual.  This picture is included for the very young patriot in the front seat.

This group must have been organized - at least just before the parade started.

This was the first horse drawn vehicle we've seen in the Beech Parade.

The Veterans have the only real "float" in the parade.  Behind it are members of the Beech Presbyterian Church in a truck and trailer, with hand-made signs advertising their Vacation Bible School and the Youth mission trip to Joplin Missouri later in the month.

As usual, the Reems Creek Fire Department made up a big percentage of the parade.

Unlike last year, Norris is not wearing sunglasses so you can tell it's really him in that tanker.

But we had a surprise - the Fire Department was not more than half the parade, and they did not bring up the rear.

There was a large group of antique cars, including several of these decked out Model A's.

 After the parade the RCFD Vehicles line up on the ball field next to the Community Center.  There's Norris just getting out to join the crowd.

And right on time, the MAMA (Mountain Area Medical Airlift) helicopter dramatically swoops in.

They land in the same ball field, while fire department personnel keep the crowds back.

But you can see that as soon as they step aside, the younger parade goers are running for their chance at a closer look.