More rain than shine, the 66th annual William H. Norton Memorial Day parade stepped off in Paw Paw on Saturday, May 23.
Organizers said the parade has only been cancelled once in known history, during the pandemic of 2020.
The traditional car, truck and tractor show at Paw Paw Schools was cancelled, with the lawn soaked after three days of steady rain.
Families made their way to Paw Paw High School for face painting, balloon art, and children’s activities before the Memorial Day parade on Saturday, May 23.
Inside, children’s activities, face paint and balloon art provided entertainment. A few vendors braved the weather in the parking lot.
Rain subsided as the parade began on schedule at the top of Winchester Street.
Albeit smaller, with all three bands having to cancel so as not to damage their instruments, Paw Paw’s annual Memorial Day parade impressed with its small-town charm.
Paw Paw Little LeagueTalia Fravel, a second-grade teacher at Paw Paw Schools, and son Harlan Fravel were fundraising before the Memorial Day parade for a trip to the United Kingdom planned for Harlan’s sophomore year at Paw Paw High School in 2028.Christina White, recently crowned Miss Paw Paw, pictured at Paw High School prior to her appearance in the 66th annual William H. Norton Memorial Day parade on Saturday, May 23.The Paw Paw Pirate, Betsy Ross, and Uncle Sam stirred up spectators along the parade route for Memorial Day.A lone horse made an entry into Paw Paw’s rainy Memorial Day parade last Saturday, May 23.Great Cacapon Volunteer Fire Company rode in Paw Paw’s Memorial Day parade last Saturday, May 23.A decorated Jeep turned heads in the 66th annual William H. Norton Memorial Day parade in Paw Paw on Saturday, May 23.Paw Paw Church of Christ had a symbolic float in the 66th annual William H. Norton Memorial Day parade on Saturday, May 23. photos by Lisa Schauer/The Morgan MessengerOldtown Volunteer Fire Department shone in Paw Paw’s Memorial Day parade on Saturday, May 23.Reggie the rescue dog represented Morgan County 911 with panache in Paw Paw’s Memorial Day parade on Saturday, May 23.Paw Paw Volunteer Fire Company showed up as the heroes in the 66th annual William H. Norton Memorial Day parade on Saturday, May 23.Paw Paw Church of Christ had a symbolic float in the 66th annual William H. Norton Memorial Day parade on Saturday, May 23.Paw Paw Festival decorated a tractor for the Memorial Day parade on Saturday, May 23.Cub Scouts representing the local Potomac district of Scouting America donned rain slickers and waved the American flag in the 66th annual William H. Norton Memorial Day parade in Paw Paw on Saturday, May 23.A fallen hero float in Paw Paw’s Memorial Day parade last Saturday was a somber reminder of those who gave all.Grand Marshal Adam Carder, a 2002 graduate of Paw Paw High School, is a Master Sargeant in the U.S. Air Force, currently serving his country as a medic. MSgt Carder waves to paradegoers along the 66th annual William H. Norton Memorial Day parade route in Paw Paw on Saturday, May 23.Tri-State Honor Guard, representing American Legion Post 60 in Berkeley Springs, led the Memorial Day parade in Paw Paw on Saturday, May 23.
Cheers went up along the parade route as patriotic floats, trucks and first responders passed, tossing out candy to eager children and the young at heart.
The awards ceremony was finessed, with winners notified later, as people scurried back to their homes.
William H. Norton was born in Connecticut. He served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army during World War II, when he was killed in the line of duty.
1Lt Norton is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
