Storm clouds threatened to rain on the annual Ocracoke 4th of July parade, which passed by in record speed at the walkers, bikers, golf carters, and drivers hoped to beat the weather. And they almost did! But a little rain right at the end didn't dampen spirits and the sun was out again in an hour!
"Team Ocracoke" of Ride the Wind Surf Shop won the top award of the day – Better Some Best in Show Prize! With a timely Olympic theme and a toga party, the float celebrated Ocracoke's gold-medal wins in the Olympic Surfing, Kayaking, and Boogie-Boarding events.
This year's Best in Show was a shared award between the Two Old Airmen (we love out veterans!) and Chris Imlay, the amazing bagpiper, who marched the whole route, piping patriotic songs all along the way.
The Ocracoke Library's Summer Reading Program won the Community Prize, a $200 award that goes to a local non-profit. Community librarian Mary Bryant was thrilled. "I'll buy books!" she said.
Mary also mentioned that the feedback from the parade-going crowd was all good, adding "We really got a huge response from the crowd, it was great to hear so many positive comments along the way. Who says libraries are dead?"
Stop by the library for the Used Book Sale or to find out about more the Summer Reading Program!
In the Walk 'n' Roll category, the winners were Charlie Horse Stables (1st place), The Alcorn Family's Grateful Dead tribute (2nd place), and Ed Barbour (3rd place).
In the Wheels category, the winners were The Ocracoke Garden Center (1st place), the Mardi Gras on Ocracoke-themed "Krewe da Beach" (2nd place), and the Decheser family's "Ocracats" (3rd place).
The highly competitive Floats category saw wins for Tim Barnette's "'Merica" Toy Soldier (1st place), Ocracoke Coffee Company's highly relevant "Up at the Quack of Dawn" ducks (2nd place), and the North Carolina Ferry System (3rd place). Perhaps the ferry division can buy a new ferry with their winnings!
Jake Spencer was the 2016 Parade Grand Marshal, and was escorted by Woody Billings.
And, once again, Mariah Daisy rode for Freedom of the Press! She wins the special Ocracoke Current award for Shameless Promotion! Thanks, sweetie!
The 4th of July parade is sponsored by Ocracoke Civic and Business Association. Specials thanks to Robert Raborn for organizing the parade again this year, and to our volunteer judges.
Thanks to everyone who participated in the parade! We want to give you all a trophy for participation! If you didn't win a cash prize, there's always next year!
