Byrd's Eye View

I had the honor of being the Grand Marshal for the Boonville Heritage Days Parade on Sunday. 

What a wonderful day it was!  The people of Boonville were as friendly and warm as any you will ever meet, and the beautiful countryside of Yadkin County gave the event a peaceful, simple feel.

This is the kind of event that everyone should have a day to experience.  Boonville is a tiny town (1.3 square miles), and home to approximately 1130 people, each with a big heart and open arms.  The innocence of Boonville's celebration was something that we often miss in many Triad events. 

There were no corporate floats or marching bands.  I can't recall seeing anything glittery except for the flashing lights on the town fire engines that lumbered along, periodically howling their sirens at citizens lining the street.  What I saw was families gathering together to laugh, catch candy and wave to their friends and neighbors who were in the parade queue.  

It was so funny when people squinted at the car in which I was riding, trying to read the sign that stated my name and employer.  Then they would spy my driver, 16-year-old Tyler Barker, who's family is native to Boonville, at least for the past four generations.  I would hear, "Who's that lady from FOX8?  Oh look!  HEY TYLER!!"  

Tyler is one of our weather watchers at FOX 8, and I had the honor of meeting his family, including his grandfather and the matriarch of the crew, his great-grandmother.  I have a feeling that if he doesn't go into meteorology, he may end up mayor of Boonville.

If you have the chance to visit, it's a lovely town at the intersection of Highway 601 and 67 in Yadkin County.  There is one stoplight and several gas stations, but please don't miss spending time with the fine people there.