Picture of the day - May 21, 2007

Hiker Parade - Appalachian Trail Days 2007

Photo courtesy of Robert Cook.   Appalachian Trail Days is an eight day festival hosted by the friendly citizens of Damascus, Virginia each May. This annual week-long party is the tiny town's way of saying "thank you" to the thousands of "thru-hikers" that stop in to visit and patronize Damascus' shops and eateries during their long trek from Maine to Georgia (or vice versa). Damascus was originally founded as a mill and lumber town, but when the area's vast supply of virgin timber had been depleted just a few years later, several manufacturing plants moved in to provide much-needed jobs for the hard-working townspeople. This industrial phase of Damascus' history lasted several decades, but in the latter part of the 20th century the plants began to close, once again leaving the good people of Damascus in need of a reliable way to make a living. In recent years, this "friendliest town on the Appalachian Trail" has found new life yet again as a popular tourist destination. The hub for at least five popular hiking and biking trails, Damascus is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts of all types. Of course it helps that the area boasts some of the most beautiful scenery on the planet as well as several world-class trout fishing streams. Many hikers plan their trek of the Appalachian Trail so that they reach Damascus right at Trail Days time, and plenty of non-hikers come as well for the great food, live entertainment and other attractions. Typically, around 25,000 people flood the streets and sidewalks of this little town of 900 souls during Trail Days, and by all accounts this year was no different. Of all the activities the festival has to offer, perhaps the most popular of all is the Hiker Parade. The procession begins much like any other parade, complete with police cruisers, fire trucks and marching bands, but its end is akin to an organized mob with countless hikers leading their dogs while blasting the onlookers with bazooka-style water guns! Due to other commitments, Cheria and I were unable to attend this year's parade, but Uncle Bob was kind enough to pass along this wonderful photo of the festivities. I just wonder if he managed to keep himself and his camera dry?   Visit the POTD Archives for previous "Pictures Of The Day"!     Submit a photo of your own!            Why I publish the "Picture of the Day"