About 100 entries slated for annual Troutman parade

By: Donna Swicegood | Mooresville Tribune
Published: June 25, 2009

Independence Day will come a few days early to Iredell County as Troutman kicks off the holiday on Saturday.

The annual Iredell County Independence Day parade will start at 11 a.m. in Troutman.

Fireworks will conclude the celebration of the country's birthday, beginning at 9:30 p.m. at the Iredell County Fairgrounds in Troutman.

Major Gen. James Mallory, a member of the U.S. Army Reserve and a Statesville attorney, will serve as the parade's grand marshal.

Mallory said he's thrilled to be heading the parade.

"It's a real honor to represent the Army Reserve and the U.S. Army," he said. "I am looking forward to it and am proud to be part of such a great event. This is a real showcase for veterans and for patriotism."

This is the fifth annual Independence Day parade, which is sponsored by the Iredell County Marine Corps League and hosted by the Town of Troutman.

Dennis Clary, who is a member of the Marine Corps League and heads up the all-volunteer organization planning the parade, said veterans will be the focus of the event.

Two floats will be reserved for veterans to ride in the parade.

Mallory will be marching, rather than riding, and he will be with a contingent of other U.S. Army Reservists.

The Mooresville High School JROTC honor guard will present the colors.

Clary said more than 100 entries are expected to take part in the parade.

Troutman Police Chief Matthew Selves said U.S. Highway 21/N.C. Highway 115 through Troutman will close at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Detour signs are already in place, he said.

Twenty-one police officers from Troutman and surrounding agencies will be on hand to ensure everything runs smoothly, he said.

Selves said the parade will likely last approximately 90 minutes, and the street will reopen as soon as the units are out of the road and it is free of debris.

The parade starts at the fairgrounds and will end at Troutman Elementary School.

The fireworks presentation is likely to last about 30 minutes, Selves said.

Mallory said he hopes a large crowd will turn out Saturday to celebrate Independence Day a week early.

"This is a vast undertaking by a volunteer organization, and it's just a great collective display of the community's patriotic spirit," he said.