Fourth of July parade returns to Rocky Fork Lake area for its 7th year

The seventh annual Rocky Fork Lake Fourth of July parade, organized by the Rocky Fork Lake Business Advisory Committee, will be held Friday, July 4 at 10 a.m.

Line up for the parade begins at 9 a.m. by following the “Line Up” signs, starting at Pied Piper Parkway, winding around to Beechwood Lane, then going back up toward Beechwood Pizza.

The parade route will travel along North Shore Drive, ending at North Beach parking lot near the playground.

The parade will be led by Highland County Sheriff Randy Sanders. This year’s grand marshal is Commissioner David T. Daniels, a longtime Highland County resident. Daniels has provided years of dedication and service to the community. 

The 4th of July serves as a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for America’s independence and those who continue to fight for its values and freedoms today. These symbols serve as a unifying force, bringing Americans together to celebrate their heritage, ideas and shared commitment to the country.

The American flag is a powerful embodiment of the nation’s resilience, evoking a sense of hope and national pride in the hearts all of Americans. Its vibrant colors represent important values such as red, valor and bravery; white, purity and innocence; and blue, vigilance, perseverance and justice, reflecting the ideas upon which this country was founded. It is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought to protect the flag and the values it represents, uniting people from all backgrounds in a spirit of patriotism and solidarity.

The Rocky Fork Lake Parade is a cherished event that celebrates the spirit of patriotism and community spirit. The parade is organized by Rocky Fork Lake Business Advisory Committee and is the largest 4th of July Parade in the county. The best approved viewing areas are across from Bayview at Rocky Fork Lake (Bait Shop) or at the Red Barn Hardware Store.

As in year’s past, free ice cream will now be available at three locations for parade enthusiasts. This will take place at the following establishments before and after the parade: 

• Bayview Campground and Cottages, 11104 North Shore Drive;

• Olive’s Table Restaurant, 10925 N. Shore Dr.; and

• Rocky Fork Boat Rental, 6579 N. Beach Rd.
 
The parade is being sponsored by Beechwood Pizza and Grille, Kelsey Chevrolet, Bayview Campground & Cottages, Rocky Fork Boat Rental and Olive’s Table Restaurant.

The parade is organized by John Ingersoll and several other Rocky Fork Lake business owners who created the Rocky Fork Lake Business Advisory Committee. Their goal is to help promote the growing businesses in the Rocky Fork Lake community. 

Any group or organization that would like to enter the parade can pick up a registration form at any of the following locations: Buckeye Boat Repair, Olive’s Table Restaurant, Bayview Campground and Cottages, Rocky Fork Boat Rental and Beechwood Pizza, or you can contact John Ingersoll, parade coordinator, at buckeyeboatrepair@yahoo.com or (937) 763-3959. You can also print the form from this year’s event page on Facebook.