Bill Text: VA HR150 | 2016 | Regular Session | Enrolled

Virginia House Resolution 150 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Commending the Brandon Heights Fourth of July Parade.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2016-02-26 - Bill text as passed House (HR150ER) [HR150 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2016-HR150-Enrolled.html

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 150 Commending the Brandon Heights Fourth of July Parade.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 26, 2016

WHEREAS, the Brandon Heights Fourth of July Parade, a beloved community tradition in Newport News, has given local residents the opportunity to celebrate the nation's heritage and show their patriotism for 50 years; and

WHEREAS, in 1967, a group of Brandon Heights neighbors talked about decorating baby carriages and marching up Milford Road on the Fourth of July, and several fathers and children announced the event by walking around the neighborhood and beating drums on the previous night; and

WHEREAS, with Dave Wibel as the first parade chairman, the inaugural Brandon Heights Fourth of July Parade started on Stratford Road in the morning and proceeded up Ferguson Avenue to Milford Road; and

WHEREAS, the first Brandon Heights Fourth of July Parade was made up of a kazoo and drum band, an antique fire engine, and an assortment of costumed pets and children; a ceremony at the end featured patriotic songs and awards for the best costumes; and

WHEREAS, in the 1970s, the parade was moved to the afternoon to accommodate plans for an evening block party; costumes remained a proud tradition, with Uncle Sam often leading the way, and the parade evolved to include wheeled entries from local children of all ages, from carriages and strollers to wagons, tricycles, bikes, and skateboards; and

WHEREAS, for many years, the block party after the Brandon Heights Fourth of July Parade was one of the area's premier local events, with live music; great food; patriotic speeches; and a popular egg toss, among other games; and

WHEREAS, the Brandon Heights Fourth of July Parade has encountered inclement weather over the years, but organizers and participants have persevered to carry on the tradition consistently; and

WHEREAS, the Brandon Heights Fourth of July Parade has changed and grown throughout its 50-year history; many of the babies who were pushed in carriages for the first parade have watched their own children and grandchildren participate in the event, which still provides an excellent opportunity to meet fellow community members and renew friendships; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Brandon Heights Fourth of July Parade hereby be commended on the occasion of its 50th anniversary in 2017 for strengthening community spirit in Newport News; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Margaret Goggins, organizer of the Brandon Heights Fourth of July Parade, as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for this unique local tradition.