More Than 800 Participate In Cave Spring’s Independence Parade

By Dawn Treglown • on July 4, 2009

Twenty-five years ago, Cave Spring resident Christa Jackson wanted to celebrate Independence Day with her two young sons.

So, she dressed in a Statue of Liberty costume and pulled her sons in a wagon through downtown Cave Spring.

That small gesture has blossomed into what is now an annual event.

On Saturday morning, the 25th annual Cave Spring Fourth of July Parade kicked off around 9:30 a.m. at The Depot.

Cave Spring Council member Nellie McCain estimated between 800 and 1,000 people participated in this year’s parade.

Close to another 300 people watched the parade downtown, with several hundred more watching along the parade route.

“This is definitely our biggest Fourth of July Parade yet,” said Cave Spring Public Safety Officer Randy Lacey.

Lacey said that for close to an hour, every street coming off of the main street through town was closed.

“Some people don’t like it, but it’s a safety issue,” he said. “We want to make sure everybody stays safe and has a good time while they’re here.”

Anyone that wants to be in the Cave Spring parade may participate.

Parade participants may walk or ride. And they may ride just about anything.

Four-wheelers, motorcycles, bicycles and tractors are common modes of transportation seen in the annual parade.

Cave Spring resident Gayther Creamer said she likes bringing her grandchildren to the event.

“It’s just fun to watch,” she said.

Floyd County District Attorney Leigh Patterson said she and her dog Belle enjoy the trip to Cave Spring to watch the parade.

“It’s fun,” Patterson said. “It’s absolutely what the Fourth of July is all about.”

Lacey said the parade line was more than a mile and a half long on Saturday.

However, one group had to wait to participate until the parade reached the downtown square, because the group’s vehicle could not maneuver the tight turns in the first part of the parade route.

The 1152nd Alabama National Guard Firefighting Team out of Anniston chose to ride in an armored fire/crash rescue vehicle, which doesn‘t take close, tight turns well.

The firefighting team entered the parade at the main intersection in downtown Cave Spring.

After the hour-long procession of people, animals and vehicles, a car show was held downtown.

However, Cave Spring’s Independence Day celebrations are not yet over.

On Sunday, July 5, a “Salute To America” program, also started by Jackson, will take place.

“Everyone is welcome,” McCain said. “We have the presentation of the flags, including the military ones. We also have lots of entertainment. It’s just a celebration of America.”

The “Salute To America” program will be held on Sunday, July 5, at 6 p.m. at the Cave Spring Baptist Church.

Tractors are just one of many types of transportation seen during Cave Spring's annual Fourth of July Parade. Staff Photos by Dawn Treglown.

Lady Liberty and the law! Cave Spring Fourth of July Parade founder Christa Jackson poses with Cave Spring Public Safety Director Randy Lacey. Staff Photo by Dawn Treglown.