Middletown welcomes Lauryn Ricketts, Dexter Manley, and Bill for 4th of July

The Town of Middletown is preparing for the annual Independence Day parade and announced the Grand Marshals and special guests that will be joining in this year’s festivities.

Washington Football legend Dexter Manley and current Commander’s running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, aka Bill, will ride in the parade along with Grand Marshall Lauryn Ricketts, an Emmy Award winning meteorologist and Frederick County local.

Manley is a two-time Super Bowl  champion and member of the Commander’s Ring of Fame.

Bill emerged as a fan-favorite and offensive weapon during his rookie campaign last season.

He led all rookie running backs with 8 touchdowns and looks to build on that success next season.

Lauryn Ricketts, currently serves the Washington DC area with engaging weather coverage and returns home to the Shenandoah Valley to celebrate America’s 250th in Middletown.

Also joining in on this year’s parade are former Washington kicker and NFL MVP Mark Moseley and the recently crowned Miss Virginia, Maddie Marchant of Lebanon, Virginia.

Before the parade begins at 5pm, join the Town of Middletown for events starting at 8 am in the park ranging from a softball tournament, kids games, vendors, skydivers, and even a hot dog eating contest.

The park will also host live music all day long starting with Robbie Limon at 11 am until the fireworks at dusk.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

SABF announces pageant contestants

The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival announced the contestants for the 2026 Miss Apple Blossom Volunteer and Miss Apple Blossom Volunteer Teen Competition.

For the first time, the winner of the annual pageant will go on to compete in the Miss Virginia Volunteer Competition instead of Miss Virginia which then feeds into Miss America.

The event will be held on Saturday, November 8th at Daniel Morgan Middle School.

The winners will serve as hosts for the 99th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival April 24th-May 3rd, 2026, visit numerous events, and ride in both the Firefighters’ and Grand Feature Parade.

Contestants for Miss Apple Blossom Teen include:

  • Brilea Hamilton- Broadway
  • Lily Lewis- Handley
  • Sydney McCarter- Strasburg
  • Fabiola Vazquez- Courtland

For Miss Apple Blossom Volunteer, the contestants include:

  • Olivia Escalante- Virginia Tech
  • Vaylee Olack- Shenandoah University
  • Marissa Overbaugh- Shenandoah University
  • Johanna Pearson- Liberty

Tickets are still available here.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Middletown announces Grand Marshals for 4th of July parade

christmas parade canceled

Middletown announced their Grand Marshals for the July 4th Celebration Parade and 225th anniversary.

The group features former Washington football players Brian Mitchell and Ken Harvey as well as Miss Virginia, Tatum Sheppard.

Mitchell ranks 2nd all time in NFL history in all purpose yards behind Jerry Rice and 3rd all time in punt return touchdowns.

Harvey is a 4 time Pro Bowler and one of the 70 greatest players in team history.

Miss Virginia is the daughter of former Miss America, Kellye Cash and Great Niece of Johnny Cash.

The parade will make its way down Main Street starting at 5 pm on the 4th.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.