Fall tradition continues in Garland

The 5th Annual Garland Community Day was held Saturday with many festivities at the Curtis D. Cain Memorial Park. The fun began with a parade through the heart of Garland.

Dr. Johnnie E. Sexton, founder of The Care Project, Inc. served as the grand marshal. The town native is 1973 graduate of Garland High School and was recently honored as the 2018 National Audiologist of the Year during the 20th Annual Oticon Focus on People Awards. Each year, the program honors people with hearing loss and care professionals. Dorothy Crenshaw was the honorary grand marshal.

After the parade, the Unity Ceremony was held followed by live entertainment, vendors, carnival games and a street dance.

The tradition of the fall celebration goes back many years, with a Rotary fair. That Rotary fair went away after the organization lost its charter. Garland’s North Carolina Small Towns Economic Prosperity (N.C. STEP) and other community groups created the community fair to fill the void.

Smokey Bear waves during the parade.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_Parade_19.jpgSmokey Bear waves during the parade.

The Union High School JROTC marches through downtown Garland.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_Parade__1.jpgThe Union High School JROTC marches through downtown Garland.

Garland Board member Austin Brown greets community members.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_Parade_3.jpgGarland Board member Austin Brown greets community members.

Members of Garland American Legion Post 502 show their parade float.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_Parade_7.jpgMembers of Garland American Legion Post 502 show their parade float.

A Subway sandwich gets in on the fun along with community supporters.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_Parade_10.jpgA Subway sandwich gets in on the fun along with community supporters.

Many bikers wave to the crowd.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_Parade_13.jpgMany bikers wave to the crowd.

The Little Leopards of Roseboro Elementary School travel to Garland for festivities.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_Parade_17.jpgThe Little Leopards of Roseboro Elementary School travel to Garland for festivities.

Supporters of Toys for Tots enjoy the fun.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_Parade_6.jpgSupporters of Toys for Tots enjoy the fun.

Organized Chaos performs dance moves for the crowd.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_Parade_18.jpgOrganized Chaos performs dance moves for the crowd.

Cadets from the Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_Parade_21.jpgCadets from the Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy.

Faith McLamb, Miss North Carolina High School smiles while waving to supporters.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_Parade_16.jpgFaith McLamb, Miss North Carolina High School smiles while waving to supporters.

Youth enjoy supporting the Hickory Grove Fire Department.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_Parade_4.jpgYouth enjoy supporting the Hickory Grove Fire Department.

Anita Lane greets festival goers.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_Parade__8.jpgAnita Lane greets festival goers.

Spider-Man draws smiles.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_Parade_22.jpgSpider-Man draws smiles.

Cheerleaders from Union Middle School show pride for their school.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_Parade_11.jpgCheerleaders from Union Middle School show pride for their school.

Iglesia Cristiana Palabra De Salvacion proudly show their faith.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_Parade_12.jpgIglesia Cristiana Palabra De Salvacion proudly show their faith.

The Sudan Roasters enjoy participating in the annual Garland Community Fair.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_Parade_5.jpgThe Sudan Roasters enjoy participating in the annual Garland Community Fair.

Paisley Grace, 2019 ‘Little Miss Valentines Cutie” receives a lot of attention.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_Parade_9.jpgPaisley Grace, 2019 ‘Little Miss Valentines Cutie” receives a lot of attention.

A crowd eagerly awaits for the parade to begin.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_Parade_15.jpgA crowd eagerly awaits for the parade to begin.

Community members show their support for the Garland Fire Department and other departments.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_Parade_14.jpgCommunity members show their support for the Garland Fire Department and other departments.