Greenbrier County, WV (WOAY) – It’s known as West Virginia’s Best Fourth of July Celebration, and on Independence Day 2025, Alderson provided the red, white and blue significance.
The charming river town was a picturesque backdrop for the grand parade and those proud to be American.
One of the longest Fourth of July parades in Mountain State history kicked off with fun, family and community.
According to Gov. Patrick Morrisey, it meant so much to him to stop in Alderson for the 64th annual parade, calling it a place with historical meaning.
“It’s America’s small-town celebration. They have one of the best parades in the state on this day,” Morrisey said. “Patriotism is alive and well in West Virginia, so it’s wonderful to be back here.”
Bonnie Burns moved to Alderson in 2001 and has been attending the parade ever since. She says it provides community and a sense of American pride.
“Things that we take for granted every day accumulate on the Fourth of July,” Burns said.
The parade brings back fond memories for Michelle Armstrong, whose dad started bringing her at age six. She is passing on the tradition to her 14-year-old daughter, who rode in the parade.
“I love seeing the people, all the old cars and fire departments. My daughter is Junior Teen Miss Raleigh County,” said the Rainelle resident. “She raises a lot of money for children’s charities and the hospitals.”
The parade brings together a variety of people from all around the communities.
“All around the state, people who have left home come back to visit this time of year,” Burns said. “It’s special to them. It’s all about family. It’s who we are.”
The parade is a time to re-engage with the Alderson community and celebrate Independence Day. The governor says this is much bigger than ourselves. We have to think of our founding fathers.
“And what they did to grant us this republic that we have,” said Morrisey. “Today’s a day to celebrate it and remember all the amazing things our founders did to provide for our freedoms.”
