Nola Sizemore

Staff Writer

The city of Evarts will celebrate Independence Day with their annual Fourth of July Parade and fireworks display on July 3 beginning at 7:30 p.m. At a meeting of the Evarts Tourist and Convention Commission on Monday, members stressed this event is not just for the citizens of Clover Fork, but for every citizen in Harlan County. This year’s theme will be “Salute to America.”

“We do this to honor our veterans, our county and our country,” said chairperson Janice Napier. “We invite everyone to attend this event. It’s one way of showing your patriotism and fellowshipping with all your neighbors throughout the county.”

Commission member Darrin Middleton said “every citizen can be patriotic, and love for one’s country is always a great honor.”

“Lee Greewood says it best in his song ‘Proud To Be An American’ when he sings ‘I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And, I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me,” said Middleton. “We’d like to see floats, bands, classic cars, first responders, representatives from all of the county’s law enforcement, active and inactive veterans and their families, veteran organizations, school children, cub scouts, boy and girl scouts or just anyone who wants to pay homage to their country and wave the American flag. I remember reading where John Wayne once said, ‘Sure I wave the American flag. Do you know a better flag to wave?”

Commission member Tony Aslinger said “I still get tears in my eyes when I see the flag waving or hear the National Anthem or God Bless America. This parade is the only one in the county. So, come out and show your support and love for your county and country, where we can all come together as one.”

An overall grand prize of $50 will be offered to the best participant in the parade. Anyone wishing to participate in the parade may call 837-0609.

In other commission action:

* Members approved setting aside $3,000 for their annual fireworks display on July 3;

* Approved spending $450 for advertisement for the city on a billboard advertising Black Mountain Thunder Zip Line and Black Mountain Off Road Adventure Area to be placed in Harlan, Pineville and Corbin on I-75;

* Approved spending $400 for map advertisement for the city to be distributed in a number of cities and counties surrounding Harlan County;

*Noted a meeting will be held June 28 from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the Evarts Methodist Church to meet with representatives from a group called Focus to discuss ideas, which will encourage economic growth throughout the county. Everyone is invited to attend.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510 or at nsizemore@heartlandpublications.com