Elkins Fourth of July parade draws crowd despite heat and rain

Elkins, W.Va (WDTV) -Elkins held its annual Fourth of July parade Saturday evening, with the procession stepping off at 5 p.m., crossing the Davis Avenue Bridge and moving through downtown.

The parade featured marching groups, bands, floats, and ATV/UTV and bicycle decorating competitions.

Honoring Randolph County’s ‘Rosie the Riveters’

Among the participants was a volunteer group working to honor women they call the “Randolph County Rosie the Riveters” — women who worked in jobs considered at the time to be men’s work while men were away fighting in World War II.

Bobbi Trimboli, a member of the Randolph County Rosie the Riveters Volunteer Club, said the group marched in support of one of the last known surviving women from that era in the county.

“We’re in the parade today following Mrs. Lorraine Moran who is one of the two living Rosie’s from our county that we know of,” Trimboli said. “She turns 103 next week and she loves to be in this parade.”

Residents turn out for family tradition

Elkins resident Katelyn Sharp said the decorated bicycles were among her highlights and described the parade as a family tradition.

“We try to come every year, every time, any parade, because they’re my favorite, especially if I’m with my family,” Sharp said. “It just makes it even more special.”

The parade was followed by a concert by Rick K and the All Nighters at the Rotary Amphitheater, with fireworks scheduled to begin at 9 p.m.

Editor’s note: The video for this story will be added once it airs. Please check back for the updated video.