Picture it: Summer 1963. The sky had that perfect shade of blue. Fireflies are lighting up the night sky as if the air is alive. The weather is hot but so is the fun.
As West Virginia prepared to celebrate its hundredth birthday, Summers County was sure to join in on the festivities. Souvenirs were everywhere, ranging from collector plates to whimsical shaving permit buttons.
My Dad often spoke about the centennial parade and all the fun that went with it. He and a bunch of his friends decided to participate in the parade. The theme was nostalgia from 100 years ago at the state’s birth, so everyone had to dress in period costumes. Dad and his group were into music, so they incorporated that into their entry. They borrowed an old-timey Walton’s era truck, piled the back full of guys and gals, and had one playing the guitar while everyone else sang.
I vividly remember Dad telling me how hot all those layers of clothing were in the West Virginia sun. He also said it was worth it as the parade wound through the streets of Hinton and the clapping and cheering were very loud. He said smiles were everywhere, and people could be seen waving from way back in the crowd. He said that before he knew it, the parade was over, and he was kinda sorry. Their entry didn’t win anything, but he said all the support was prize enough.
That’s one thing about our great state of Wild and Wonderful West Virginia, we’ve always been proud to celebrate being mountaineers. As always, take me home, country roads, to Summers County.
