Red, white, and blue lined the streets of Fieldale on July 4 as the community turned out for a lively Independence Day parade celebrating the summer’s biggest local project: the renovation of the historic Fieldale Pools. With flags waving, horns honking, and the theme “Splash Out” inspiring watery, whimsical floats, the parade brought out civic pride and a healthy dose of holiday spirit.
The event was sponsored by Star News and the Martinsville-Henry County Historic Collective, with organizational support from Autos By Nelson. It was co-hosted by Luis Romero of RBS News and Charles Roark of Star News.
The parade route wound through the heart of Fieldale and concluded near the recreation building, which is undergoing its own transformation as part of the broader pool renovations.
Former Congressman Virgil H. Goode, Jr., served as parade marshal. He was introduced by former Martinsville Mayor Danny Turner.
The opening included a bell-ringing ceremony steeped in patriotic symbolism. Adams rang the bell after each of the 13 original colonies was read by W.C. Fowlkes. If you don’t remember much of anything else from today, remember the name I called off first. Virginia. And we need to be proud of our historic background,” Fowlkes said.
“This is the 249th anniversary of America’s Declaration of Independence,” Goode said. “This is a great event. I commend you and everyone affiliated with this.”
The holiday spirit was echoed by Henry County Sheriff Wayne Davis, who led the parade. “This is the freest country on Earth,” Davis said. “Regardless of what side of the political aisle you fall on, we are the greatest country on Earth.”
A variety of community leaders joined the procession, including Henry County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jim Adams and Vice-chairman Joe Bryant as well as Martinsville Mayor L.C. Jones and Vice Mayor Kathy Lawson.
Jones and Lawson shared a ride and a message of regional unity.
Jones said it was an honor to help celebrate “the day that freedom actually started. It is an honor and a privilege to celebrate with everybody today.”
“It’s a wonderful day to be in Fieldale,” Lawson said. “As Charles (Roark) has reiterated many times, what’s good for the county is good for the city. … It’s great to be here this morning.”
Bryant added his own signature flair, cruising the route in a go-kart and offering a cheerful plug for his campaign: “Vote for me. Why not? I’m the guy. I’m the man with the plan.”
Chris Lawless—Bryant’s political opponent—took a different approach. Wearing a Trash Panda shirt in honor of a local volunteer cleanup group, he used his float to collect litter along the parade route while showcasing a homemade water wheel. “We wanted to show our appreciation,” he said. “The theme is ‘Make A Splash,’ so we made it splash.”
Among the standout entries was Bassett Furniture’s 1942 GMC CCKW military truck, known as the “Deuce and a Half,” as well as a float from the MHC Warming Center, Laurel Park Tires, and a debut appearance by the Mustang Charity League, a new car club that added horsepower and shine to the celebration.
Lawless brought engineering flair with his functional water wheel, while the S.T.A.G.S. robotics competition team marched to encourage local youth to get involved in STEM. “It’s free to join,” said instructor Trevor Martin, inviting students ages 14 to 18 to sign up.
Ariel Johnson represented both the Warming Center and the Trash Pandas, highlighting the efforts of Nancy McMillian, crowned queen of the Warming Center float. “Ms. Nancy took it upon herself to go out into the community and feed all of our unhoused neighbors,” Johnson said.
The celebration lasted just under an hour but left a strong impression of community, collaboration and patriotism in the heart of the county. Organizers plan to bring the parade back next year.
In the meantime, residents can mark their calendars for the next big event — the Martinsville Christmas Parade, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 22.
