NEW YEAR'S GET OFF TO FESTIVE START IN GREENBRIER COUNTY
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The new year seemed to bring just about everything to Lewisburg.
The tall, the small -- and even the strange.
Lewisburg Fire Chief Wayne Pennington was among hundreds who took part in the New Year's Day parade that has been a Lewisburg tradition for almost 150 years.
"It's a festive time for the citizens and a great time to come out and wish everyone a happy new year," said Mary Ann Mann, parade chairwoman.
Floats lined downtown Lewisburg for the parade, and each was judged for a variety of awards. But anyone could walk in the parade.
"It's amazing what we see in this parade. It's a lot of spirit -- just a lot of good spirit and good fun," Mann said.
After the parade, folks traveled down the street to China.
It's actually their First Day International Festival.
"We pick different cultures every year to educate, entertain and help people understand some of the cultural things that are going on," said Jo Weisbrod, First Day Chairwoman.
Beth White said the festival is a great experience for the town.
"We don't get much international in Lewisburg, and our kids don't get to see it much. Nobody talks about different cultures in the world and different things to eat and different sounds," White said.
She said the day is perfect for children.
"It opens up their narrow tunnel vision to other colors and sights and sounds," White said.
The event featured all parts of the Chinese culture. Everything from ethnic food, art and crafts. And organizers hope all that helps spread diversity. That's why they called it the Shangai Parade.
"It has to do with being aware of that we all need to work together as a community. We need to help each other, we need to support each other," Jo Weisbrod said.
Source: Copyright 2007 West Virginia Media. All rights reserved.
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