Council gives nod to Main Street program, Truckers Parade

Hillsville Town Council authorized staff at its July 8 regular meeting to pursue participation in the Virginia Main Street program as a Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Commercial District Affiliate. Council also approved a permit for the annual Truckers Parade Against Cancer.

The program was established by the DHCD to assist public/private efforts to revitalize downtown commercial areas which may not be eligible for Main Street designation or don’t wish to meet Main Street requirements to still have access to Main Street training and limited on-site assistance as resources permit.

Participation as an Affiliate Community does not guarantee selection as a Designated Main Street Community, and Hillsville, if selected, will be eligible to receive Affiliate Community services from Virginia Main Street as long as program guidelines are met.

The resolution read in part, “It is recognized the downtown revitalization requires an on-going commitment, continuous attention and a full public-private partnership. The Main Street Program is considered one of the many economic and community development tools used by a locality.”

Council also approved a parade permit for the 18th Annual Truckers Parade Against Cancer. It is expected that the parade will consist of “eighty to/but not limited to one hundred twenty-five road tractors,” which will “bobtail” on a route through Grayson County, Galax City and Carroll.

The Grover King Veterans of Foreign Wars Post lot will serve as a parking lot for the annual fundraiser for Relay For Life of the Twin Counties and the American Cancer Society. This year’s Truckers Parade Against Cancer will be held on Saturday, Sept. 21.

This year after the parade reaches Baywood it will turn around and return to the VFS lot for a truck show and concert as part of Relay for Life. This event is slated for 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. According to TPAC Committee Chair and Organizer Cindy Dixon, the effort looks to raise $12,00 this year. Line up for the trucks begins at the VFW at 10 a.m. with the parade leaving the VFW at at 2 p.m. and traveling west on Route 58. More information can be obtained on the parade by calling Dixon at 276-237-1414.

Many merchants have given permission for spectators to be on their properties and it is expected spectators will respect merchants’ business schedules and not block customers or leave trash in the lots.

David Broyles may be reached at 276-779-4013 or on “X” at 276-779-4013