Pride of Pike to start with parade for state champs

The Pride of Pike Independence Day Celebration will include a parade with the 2019 AAA State Championship baseball team serving as grand marshals. The event will include live music, a fireworks display, inflatables, a car and tractor show and more than 20 vendors offering tasty treats from gator bites to funnel cakes as well as games and entertainment. ’The Pike County community is very much one big family, so what’s more fun than spending your evening at one big family reunion? The vendors, activities, and entertainment all lend to a festival atmosphere to be enjoyed with our community. Go meet up with your friends and neighbors and savor the charming quality of life we are blessed with in Pike! The recreation department has one of the best shows around. The entire show is packed full of beautiful displays, and the grand finale is absolutely spectacular,’ said Pike’s Economic Development Director Ginny Blakeney. ‘Our community events are only as great as the participation they receive, so support is needed to ensure that this family fun night continues to be a success!’ The parade will start lining up at Pike County schools and the route will officially start at 3:30 p.m. from the corner of Old Meansville Road to the soccer complex. There are already more than 20 entrants for the parade and Blakeney said that number could double if not triple by the time of the event. Those interested in joining the lineup should email pikecountyparade@gmail.com for an application by Friday, June 28. Volunteers to help lineup the parade can use the same email or call 678-588-4132.The Pride of Pike celebration at the soccer complex will start at 4 p.m. and Twin Oaks Road from the intersection of County Farm Road to just north of the soccer complex entrance will be closed from 2 p.m. until the end of the event. Admission is free but there will be a $5 parking fee per vehicle. ’We are an alcohol and tobacco free park – that means no vaping – and pets are not allowed. Parking at the soccer complex is reserved for handicap and vendor parking. We will have shuttle trailers to help transport visitors from the parking areas within the park to the event site at the soccer complex. If anyone needs assistance while at the event please find an event staff in a red Pride of Pike staff shirt or a sheriff’s officer,’ said Parks and Recreation Authority director Kevin Teate. ‘To be able to offer this type of an event on an annual basis requires the support of the community. We hope that all of Pike County and surrounding counties come out on Saturday, June 29 to support and enjoy the event.’ Sponsors, vendors and volunteers are still being accepted for the Pride of Pike. Information for both can be received from Kevin Teate through email at kteate@pikecoga.com or at 770-567-2027.’This is a great event for families and individuals to gather together as a community to celebrate America. Families can picnic, participate in the family-friendly activities or just enjoy the park while visiting with friends and family,’ said Teate. ‘Don’t miss it!’