65th Annual Memorial Day parade steps off under sunny skies in Paw Paw

by Lisa Schauer

The 65^th annual William H. Norton Memorial Day parade was greeted by Goldilocks weather in Paw Paw on Saturday, May 24.

Unseasonably cool temperatures, and clear skies set the stage for a patriotic parade through the small town.

A spirited crowd lined Winchester Street, waving and cheering, as children scrambled for candy tossed by passing parade vehicles.

A car, truck and tractor show was underway on the lawn at Paw Paw Schools, where food vendors and crafts were available for purchase.

Prior to the parade, a memorial service was held at the Veteran’s Monument at Paw Paw town square.

Grand Marshals were Army veterans Tracy Arnott and Cody Covey.

An awards ceremony was held immediately following the parade.

The following parade awards were announced:

Grand Prize- Paw Paw United Methodist Church

Equestrian Participants

1st – Atikat Acres

2^nd – Spring Gap Farm

3^rd – Keristen w/ Curly the Donkey

Floats

1^st – Mountaineer Community Health Center

2^nd – Paw Paw American Legion

3^rd – Paw Paw Church of Christ

Marching/Walking Units

1^st – Tri State Honor Guard

2^nd – Lady Liberty & Bald Eagle

3^rd – Super Heroes

Special Entry

1^st – Goonies Off Road Jeeps

2^nd – Green Ridge Canoe Outfitters

Specialty Cars

1^st – Mike & Donna Police ‘56 Ford F100

2^nd – Randy Somers ‘34 Coupe

3^rd – Gene Green ‘68 Camaro

Decorated Vehicles

1^st – Paw Paw Public Library

2^nd – Paw Paw Festival

3^rd – The Bank of Romney.

 

Members of the Paw Paw Lions Club served food and raised funds at the Paw Paw Memorial Day parade. From left, Chris Poniris, Mayo Eaton, Joan Maggio, Dick Campbell, Talia Fravel.

 

The Paw Paw Pirates Little Leaguers kept their message on the holiday’s meaning at their hometown Memorial Day parade on Saturday, May 24.

 

 

Paw Paw Pirate Little Leaguers engaged with the crowd at Saturday’s parade.

 

Riders from Atikat Acres delighted the crowd with their equestrian skills.

 

 

Miss Paw Paw 2025 Joselyn Smith rode in the Memorial Day parade on Saturday, May 24.

 

Shined up and on display at the annual car, truck and tractor show in Paw Paw.

 

The annual car, truck and tractor show at Paw Paw Schools was a favorite attraction at the annual Memorial Day parade on Saturday, May 24.

 

Little Miss Paw Paw 2025 Kalyn Turner, and Junior Little Miss Paw Paw Blakelynn Armel rode in style through the Memorial Day parade on Saturday, May 24.

 

Berkeley Springs High School marching band, led by instructor Bob Myers, appeared in the Paw Paw Memorial Day parade on Saturday, May 24.

 

Paw Paw High School’s marching band led the Memorial Day parade through their hometown on Saturday, May 24.

 

 

People lined the streets in Paw Paw to catch the annual Memorial Day parade on Saturday, May 24.

 

Parade vehicles added hometown charm to the annual Memorial Day parade in Paw Paw on Saturday, May 24.

 

Paw Paw Volunteer Fire Department rode the parade in memory of firefighter and teacher Jeff Palmer.

 

 

The 65^th annual William H. Norton Memorial Day parade stepped off at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 24 under sunny skies.

 

 

American Legion Post 128 of Paw Paw represented veterans in the Memorial Day parade.

 

Berkeley Springs Boy Scout troop marched in the 65^th annual William H. Norton Memorial Day parade.

photos by Lisa Schauer