Thanks to the effort of Chris Lewallen, former Alderson resident and former President of Student Government at WVU, Michael Garcia, WVU’s “Mountaineer” and mascot appeared as the Grand Marshal of the July 4th Parade in Alderson.
Parade watchers were thrilled to see the “Mountaineer” walking the parade route and occasionally firing his long rifle. Garcia was gracious to all who wanted photos with him and shook all the hands which were offered.
Lewallen said, “I am happy to have a part in bringing the experience of meeting the “Mountaineer” to Alderson. Even though I now live and work in Morgantown, Alderson remains first in my heart.”
Garcia was the weekend guest of Luther and Judy Lewallen.