Marine named grand marshal for Johnson Lane bicycle parade

U.S. Marine Joe Neal will be the grand marshal for today's 11th annual Johnson Lane bicycle parade.

A Gardnerville resident and country music singer, Neal will be performing at the parade, according to parade founder Elizabeth Furry.

"He's a good friend of ours, so he's coming out," she said.

The parade is sponsored by the Johnson Lane Volunteer Fire Department and consists solely of nonmotorized vehicles.

The parade starts at the corner of Clapham and Johnson Lane and ends at Johnson Lane Park on Stephanie Way.

Furry said the volunteers are selling hot dogs, chips and soda at the park.

Participants and spectators are welcome to join what has become the official kick-off for Fourth of July week in Carson Valley.

"It started off with just my family, but now it's pretty good-sized," she said.

The parade is just for bicycles, and the children should wear helmets, but all ages are welcome to participate.

"Adults get their bikes decorated. It's really for everybody," she said.

Entries should stage at the Johnson Lane General Store at the corner of Clapham and Johnson lanes.

For more information, contact Furry at 267-6531.

July 4 in Carson Valley includes three events, the Glenwood Drive Parade in the morning, the Red White and Blue concert by the Carson Valley Pops Orchestra at Heritage Park in Gardnerville, and the Pops in the Park featuring the Reno Philharmonic in Mormon Station State Historic Park. While there are no fireworks in Carson Valley for the Fourth, Stateline puts on a show.