This article brought to you by Mountains Community Hospital
Article by Christina Hernandez
Video and photos by Sergey Astakhov
It is said that The Annual Green Valley Lake Fourth of July Parade is the smallest parade in the nation! However, size doesn’t matter to this beautiful community, because their hospitality, sincerity and patriotism shines through. As stated by Sandy Huckaby, long time local and organizer of this event, “We may be short but we are sincere!” The annual Fourth of July Parade has been going on for over 20 years and was organized by the Women’s Club, but it is now presented by the Mountain Community Alliance.
The Mountain Community Alliance does a lot for their community. For instance, they raise funds for scholarships for the kids, they hold community get togethers on a monthly basis, they have a beautiful organic community garden, and they do countless good deeds to help their community and bring a sense of support to one another. “Anything we can do to build community and build the community spirit is good,” especially if an emergency happens; people need to count on each other. Events such as these benefit the community by providing an opportunity to allow them to get to know their neighbors.
In addition to this festive parade, Green Valley Lake also put on an amazing live concert this year, with several bands for their Fourth of July celebration. Attendees of this Fourth of July celebration could purchase a home cooked Italian sausage sandwiches, refreshments, and of course, a patriotic themed strawberry shortcake. All proceeds and donations given at this event go back into the community. But as a special treat, anyone who donated $20.00 this year received a complimentary ski lift ticket.
Visiting Green Valley Lake is like pleasantly stepping back in time; the sense of closeness and the wholesome people of this town make visitors and locals alike feel welcomed, and events such as these are great for our beautiful mountain.