Residents in Loudon and Lenoir City turned out Monday for Independence Day parades with the help of clear skies and somewhat milder temperatures at the start.
Frank McCall, president of the Loudon Lions Club that sponsors the parade each year, said it’s always easier on participants and viewers when it’s not too hot.
“The heat isn’t good for the horses and even some of the antique cars can overheat,” he said.
He said there is usually a good turnout when there is an upcoming election and the weather is nice. Recently retired Loudon Police Chief James “Bear” Webb was chosen grand marshal of the parade because of his years of service to the city.
“He’s a very deserving individual,” McCall said.
Candidates for county and state offices lined up early near Loudon High School for the 10 a.m. start so they could finish in time to head up to Lenoir City for the parade that started at 11 a.m.
Tom McFarland, candidate for chancellor, said he had his son and daughter prepared to represent him in Lenoir City and Greenback in case he was delayed.
Road Superintendent Billy Pickel is uncontested in the August race but he said he was taking the chance to participate in the parade so that he could thank everyone who voted for him in the May primary.
Riley Wampler prepared his truck and trailer with campaign signs. Although he won big in the May primary, he now faces a write-in challenge from Amy Langley, who also drove in the parade.
Wampler said he wasn’t about to quit campaigning before the election in August.
“We’re going to work it right to the end,” he said.
About a mile down the road at the Loudon County Courthouse square near where the parade ended, people had begun to gather an hour before the start.
Sarah Singer, along with daughter Autumn and son Forrest, arrived early to get a good view.
Singer said they had relatives with them from Georgia and Oklahoma who were excited to see the parade. She said Forrest really likes the horses.
By the time the parade was in view from the square, the sun was out and people were filling most of the sidewalk space at the corner of Mulberry and Grove streets. The parade was led by a flag-bearing honor guard of ROTC students and followed by police and fire trucks with lights and sirens in full operation.
Sheriff-elect Jimmy Davis stood in the back of a Loudon County Sheriff’s Office Humvee waving and throwing candy to children.
At least a half-dozen candidates for local office were joined by candidates for state office, including state Rep. Lowell Russell, R-Vonore, and Lt. Gov. and Sen. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge.
About a half-dozen horses, some painted with stars and flag stripes, trotted along at the end of the parade, their riders dressed in red, white and blue and carrying flags.
Margaret Hanson and son Devin, 2, waited until all the participants in the parade had passed before heading home. She said Devin enjoyed the excitement and was especially pleased to get some of the candy being tossed out.
Lenoir City’s parade began at 11 a.m. with a “firecracker run.” Children ages 5-12 raced down Broadway along the parade route. A firecracker signaling their start.
Aliceson and Emily Lincolnogger were ready to participate in this year’s race for the first time with mother Rebekah. They wore matching shoes and were running before the race began.
“(I’m going to go) super fast like Sonic,” Aliceson said.
The family moved to the area from Georgia two years ago and was at the parade last year. Their previous town had a parade as well but not on the same scale. The run was something new.
“We saw it last year and wanted to do it,” David Lincolnogger, Aliceson and Emily’s father, said. “We like it. We think it’s a good thing.”
While none of them participated in the run last year, they were ready for Monday’s race.
“We enjoyed it last year,” Rebekah said. “They’re excited to run, and we’re excited to watch them.”
Rylie Keyes won in the 11-12 category for the girls. While Keyes’ legs were sore after chasing the pavement for blocks in the July sun, she said her win felt nice.
“I’ve never raced before,” Keyes said. “It’s pretty awesome.”
The hot sun beat down on those who came to the parade in Lenoir City. Those who wanted something to drink could walk to local businesses lining downtown.
Mercado El Paraiso specializes in fresh tropical fruit the area does not normally receive. The market has only been open a month, but Monday was full of customers eating watermelon and drinking Aqua de Jamaica, a hibiscus tea.
Fernando Huichapa, who owns the business, was chopping open fresh coconuts for customers. Huichapa said he and those at the store were excited for the parade.
“It’s a beautiful community,” he said. “God is helping us with the weather.”
Huichapa and his family have been in the area since 2003. He worked at CVS Pharmacy for 18 years and is a pastor at Iglesia Cristiana Centro de Restauracion Espiritual in Loudon.
The parade provided the new business a chance to interact.
“We’ve had a lot of consumers,” Huichapa said. “We feel a part of the community.”
The parade featured Lenoir City Fire Department and various public figures and organizations in the county and city. Several candidates in the August and November elections also were attendance with floats.
Zack Cusick, director of the Lenoir City Parks and Recreation Department, helped check in kids for the firecracker run and was with sons Cash, Knox and Gray, who soaked the passing lifeguard float with water during the parade.
“We’ve had a good amount of participants sign up,” Cusick said. “We have great weather, and I think everyone wants to get out and get back to normal.”
The parade ended close to noon. After candy and popsicles made their way to the eager hands of kids, those in attendance left to find other ways to celebrate the rest of the day.
“It’s always fun to celebrate the Fourth,” Cusick said. “It’s something fun for the community, and it kicks off the holiday.”
