Young Patriots soon to strut

Coming this August, area youth will gather at Veterans Memorial Museum in Pigeon Forge for the annual Young Patriots Parade, with a chance to show their true red, white, and blue colors and have some family fun. Participants in the parade will build their own floats, which are eligible for a savings bond prize from Tennessee State Bank. Float entries can be built on any bicycle, tricycle, or wagon. For safety’s sake, the parade itself will be held in a parking lot. Event organizers will also hold a Young Patriots obstacle course, and have a chance to talk with Navajo Codetalkers from WWII in person. These troops, called “Windtalkers,” were crucial in the Allies’ efforts to resist Axis codebreaking efforts during the conflict. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on August 16. Sponsors for the event include The City of Pigeon Forge/Celebrate Freedom, Bellsouth, The Real Yellow Pages, Cingular Wireless, and Tennessee State Bank.