Last Updated on October 2, 2022 5:53 pm
The WNC Shriners are making what has become an annual pilgrimage to Blowing Rock, bringing their Summer Ceremonial and attendant parade to the town May 30 through June 1. On Saturday, May 31, the traditional Shriners Parade will take place along Main Street starting at 2:00 p.m.
This will be the fifth time in the past six years that the Shriners have held their Summer Ceremonial in Blowing Rock.
“It's always great to have the Shriners in town to celebrate the induction of new members into the Shrine. Besides the economic boon that this group brings to town, both locals and visitors love the entertaining downtown parade after the Summer Ceremonial. There will also be many dignitaries participating in the event this year, including Governor Pat McCrory, “said Tracy Brown, Executive Director of the Blowing Rock TDA.
The Summer Ceremonial will bring hundreds of members of the Charlotte-based WNC Oasis Shrine together for a weekend of activities to celebrate the induction of new members. Attendees will fill hundreds of hotel rooms throughout the town and Blowing Rock merchants will be offering specials and discounts to the visiting Shriners.
The parade will include the famous Shriners little cars, Oasis Clowns, Gator Patrol, Dune Cats and Scooter Patrol, along with the Oasis Band. Following the parade will be “Oasis in the Park” in Memorial Park. Activities will include miniature Shriner cars and trucks on display, music, clowns, small giveaways and a grand prize of two giant “Fezzie” bears, the mascot of the Oasis Shriners.
For more information on the Oasis Shriners, visit oasisshriners.org. Information on the Shriners Hospitals for Children can be found at shrinershospitalsforchildren.org.
