On Friday, June 26, the town of Strong will turn out to celebrate Pierpole, one of its first settlers, and to honor its war veterans.

The pre-Independence Day afternoon and evening of activities will offer a chance to celebrate Strong’s unique history while enjoying live music and good food.

According to parade organizer Bill Birden, this year’s theme is “The Bigger the Boys, The Bigger Their Toys.” Clifford Haggan, a local resident will lead the floats in one of his hot rods. The Farmington American Legion Color Guard will start the march at 6 p.m. down Main Street to the fire station, turning just before the Sandy River bridge. This year, the Shriners will bring their perennial favorites, the Krazy Kops.

“We’ll also have bagpipers, antique vehicles, antique tractors, the ATV riders and the Alabama 15th Regiment Civil War re-enactors,” Birden said. “We’ll have cash prizes of $100, $75, $50 and $25 for the top four entries.”

Parade attendees also can join a gathering at the Veterans’ Memorial next to the Forster Memorial Building, while the rest of the parade continues to the fire station. This year’s food and music offerings include the Fire Department Auxiliary’s will offer a sizzling barbecue at the fire station from 4-7 p.m., or until the chicken is gone. After the parade, Stay Tuned will offer free live music from 6-8:30 p.m. at the White Elephant, which also will serve up some tasty menu specials.

According to a very proud Principal Felecia Pease, the Strong School baseball and softball teams are the 2015 NFCL Champions. Each team has an undefeated record of eight wins and no losses. Both team rosters included veterans and newcomers this year. The baseball team was coached by Scott Martin and the softball team by Kirby Ross.