A local tradition dating back more than four decades continued Saturday with a pint-sized prelude to Thursday’s Independence Day parade.
The patriotic-themed Miss Mary’s Children’s Parade has evolved from the vision of a local preschool teacher in the early 1980s who desired to create a special event for her young students.
“Mary Mullinax retired from hosting this event,” explained WXII meteorologist Dylan Hudler, who served as this year’s master of ceremonies. “When she did so, the Kiwanis Club of Kernersville picked up the tradition and has conducted the event every year since 1996.”
In addition to the parade around the town hall courtyard, a number of free activities were available for kids, including a bounce house provided by the YMCA and free ice cream from Blue Skies Creamery.
The Kernersville Police Department and Fire Department — including its mascot Sparky — were among the local organizations present for the event.
“What a wonderful Kernersville tradition for the youngest children in our community to walk a parade route, meet Miss 4th of July, and have a great time learning about patriotism,” said Mayor Dawn Morgan.
Rotary Club member Jason Grubbs presented the newly crowned Miss 4th of July, Lilly Pike, who led Saturday’s parade and will ride in the lead car during Thursday’s parade.
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