Austin and Carson Reynolds sit on the roof of their car to watch the fireworks at the VFW. PHOTO BY DALTON SWEAT/WIMBERLEY VIEW
Judge Tracie Zelhart’s truck was named the Best Decorated. PHOTO BY CLAY E EWING
Angels for Elders won the Best Decorated Car. PHOTO BY CLAY E EWING
Wimberley Mayor Gina Fulkerson (in Bob Flocke’s Volkswagen Karmann Ghia,) won the Best Classic Car. PHOTO BY DALTON SWEAT/WIMBERLEY VIEW
Bev and John Still waiting on the parade PHOTO BY GARY ZUPANCIC/WIMBERLEY VIEW
Heritage Hill had their own neighborhood parade. PHOTO BY GARY ZUPANCIC/WIMBERLEY VIEW
The Mario Brothers were back in the parade this year and added Princess Peach to the motorcade. PHOTO BY GARY ZUPANCIC/WIMBERLEY VIEW
Fourth of July shines in Wimberley
Independence Day is a special time across the nation, but Wimberley has always done the holiday justice with multiple significant events planned throughout the holiday weekend. This year was different, but the Wimberley Valley wouldn’t let the restrictions placed upon society for COVID-19 concerns prevent the locals from celebrating.
The VFW Rodeo, annually held on the weekend of Independence Day, was canceled this year. But the Wimberley VFW found a way to celebrate also. A community fireworks show, with appropriate social distancing and masks, was still put on display at the rodeo arena. Hundreds attended, in the style of a drive-in movie, and watched the fireworks on the night of July 4.
The annual “Best Little Parade in Texas” was also cancelled.
“When it was announced that the Chamber’s 4th of July Parade was cancelled, we were as disappointed as our community,” MichaelAnne Hurst, executive director of the Wimberley Valley Chamber of Commerce, said. “However, the Board and Parade Committee worked to come up with a different way to celebrate and decided to produce our first ever Neighborhood Drive Through 4th of July Parade on Saturday, July 4th. It turned out to be a blast. The neighborhoods we drove through were excited to see us come by and the Parade entrants had a really good time!! Overall, it was a huge success for the community.”
It wasn’t the usual thrilling, candy-and-Popsicle giveaway, visitor-and-local-jam-packed event. This year was out of the ordinary, just like the first half of 2020 has been. But the red, white and blue was still celebrated by Wimberley and its residents.
The parade of decorated vehicles, instead of floats, snaked through the neighborhoods of the Wimberley Valley so that residents could enjoy the parade safely from their front yard.
All proceeds from the parade went to supporting the operations of the Wimberley Valley Visitor Center.
This year has been a bit different, but local organizations are finding a way to keep the spirit alive, well and celebrated in the Wimberley Valley.
Parade Winners
Best Decorated Car
1st Place Angels for Elders
2nd Place Council Member Rebecca Minnick
3rd Place HEB
Best Decorated Truck
1st Place Judge Tacie Zelhart,
2nd Place Eagle Mountain Flag & Flagpoles
3rd Place Hill Country Premier Lodging
Best Pet Costume
1st Place Aussie Pet Mobile
2nd Place Angels for Elders
3rd Place Carrie Isaac for Texas
Best Face Mask
Susan Raybuck & Coach with Wimberley Valley
Radio
Most Patriotic
VFW 6441 Oldham-Cummings & VFW
Auxiliary
Funniest Decorated Vehicle
Nature's Choice CBD & Sups
Best Classic Car
Mayor Gina Fulkerson (Volkswagen Karmann Ghia on loan from Bob Flocke)