By G. SAM PIATT

PDT Staff Writer

SOUTH SHORE, Ky. — Two small Ohio River towns — South Shore and Vanceburg — are celebrating in a big way the Fourth of July and all that it stands for.

South Shore will be doing its thing with its annual Independence Day Parade on Monday, while Vanceburg’s celebration began Friday and continues today with a full slate of activities, including a fireworks display at 10 p.m. on the riverbank.

“For a town not so big, we put on a really good fireworks show,” said Vanceburg Mayor Todd Ruckel.

He said Monday will be left for families and their individual cookouts and gatherings.

Mayor Cheryl Moore said South Shore citizens will rely on the fireworks-watching part of its celebration by turning out to watch the display put on by Portsmouth just downstream from U.S. Grant Bridge. It’s scheduled for 10 p.m. Monday.

“Portsmouth has one of the top displays up and down the river, I think” she said.

Monday’s parade in South Shore will wind through downtown streets and be followed by traditional Kid’s Day doings.

The lineup of floats, horses, horn-tooters and drum majorettes will begin at 11 a.m. on First Street on the riverbank.

It will begin at noon and move south to cross U.S. 23 on the overpass, proceed west along James E. Hannah Drive, and end up at Legion Field.

There, the James L. Flannery Post’s Sons of the Legionnaires will have a cookout with free hot dogs and drinks, followed by traditional kids day games such as sack races, cornhole pitching, horseshoes and climbing the greased pole to win prizes.

A special guest in the parade will be Ernie West of Wurtland. West was awarded the Medal of Honor following a battle he participated in behind enemy lines during the Korean War.

The parade will also feature state Rep. Tanya Pullin, D-South Shore; the American Legion Color Guard and other state and local legion officials, and Moore.

Those wanting to have a float or make an appearance in the parade should call Diana and Robert at (606) 932-6535.

In Vanceburg, Joni Pugh, city councilwoman and owner of the Victorian Rose Tea Room on Main Street, said today will be filled with games and music.

“But we’re not going to run over anybody. We want everybody to turn out and take part,” she said.

The day begins with a fishing tournament from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the riverfront.

A 5K run/walk competition will begin at 8 a.m. through downtown streets, followed by 3-on-3 basketball games in the Osman Parking Lot.

Children’s games begin at 11 a.m. in front of the courthouse.

The afternoon and evening includes a volleyball tournament in the Christian Church parking lot 1 p.m. and cornhole tournament beginning at 2 p.m. on Front Street.

Victorian Rose Beer Gardens will open at 4 p.m. The Fancy Free Dance Cloggers will perform at 7 p.m. and the Flint Band (Classic Rock) at 8:30, both events in front of the courthouse.

G. SAM PIATT can be reached at (740) 353-3101,

ext. 236, or spiatt@heartlandpublications.com.