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Larry Middleton
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Riner Heritage Day began with a parade on Saturday, at 10 a.m. A slight drizzle did not prevent a huge following, as the sun began to glisten over the Auburn High School and Fire Department grounds.
Antique tractors, trucks, and horses joined with Boy Scout troops and other parade entries that culminated in an interesting event. The Fred Altizer family's rare antique Kenworth 'cab-over' made it's debut in the event; 'Freddy' Altizer said that his son, Josh, drove it well, and was proud of the first public showing, after four years of restoration.
Following the parade, the Riner Museum was open for artifacts displays, as the Riner Fire Department prepared for famed musician Olen Gardner to entertain the crowd with his special musical talents. The Fire Department hosted several venues, from fire truck accessibility for children, to Civil War artifacts displays that were hosted by period-dressed hosts.
Kelly Brennan family and the Riner Ruritans, with VA Tech and community volunteers, coordinated an array of 'ole-timey' activities, including sack-races. The pet-show was a crowd favorite, as the 'most unique pet' competition was won by a golden chicken, "Sunny Side Up'. . . a pet rooster, owned by Samantha Cochran. '2-Bit', a friendly miniature horse owned by Shannon Downs, won the 'best trained' event, as 2-Bit jumped over a rail, prompted by Ms. Downs. Relatives of Ms. Downs said that it had taken at least 100 practices to get 2-Bit synchronized with Samantha, to make the jump. About 20 children won awards for their animal training talents.
Riner Heritage Day is approaching ten years of community interactivity that grows each year, and is greatly anticipated and appreciated. Auburn Middle School FBLA students documented the festivities, via digital video and 'stills'. They had also advertised the event, in coordination with the Ruritans.
The coordinators, volunteers, and participants all enjoyed Saturday's activities, according to the prevailing smiles on their faces. Even the animals enjoyed their 'play time' with new friends. The Riner Ruritans, Riner Fire Department, performers, competitors, and all involved deserve many thanks for their months of planning and accommodations that resulted in a fun-filled day.
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