Lewisburg rings in the new year with annual ‘Shanghai Parade’

By Dakota Baker, RealWV

LEWISBURG, W.Va. – The City of Lewisburg rang in the new year with its annual Parade of Unknown Origins – known to locals as the “Shanghai Parade” – this past Thursday, and even the cold weather couldn’t keep people away.

Participants from all walks of life showed up, bringing plenty of personality with them. From webbed feet to hooves, and every kind of human foot in between, it was a sight to see! But if you happened to miss it, here are plenty of photos to behold (but photos certainly don’t do the parade justice so be sure to attend next year!)

Parade Winners:

Antique Cars:

• 1st Place – Jeremy Thomas, 1965 International Scout
• 2nd Place – Jerry Vance,1948 Plymouth Coupe
• 3rd Place – Tom Foster, 1949 Plymouth Special Deluxw

Musical:

• 1st Place – Greenbrier Valley Music Foundation, Plaiyng into 2026

Floats:

• 1st Place – The Beard Family, Year of the Horse
• 2nd Place – Greenbrier River Optimistic Ukulele Players
• 3rd Place – The Democratic Executive Committee

Dec. Farm Equipment:

• 1st Place – The Huffmans & Friends
• 2nd Place – Entry # 419
• 3rd Place – Ollie Mullens, The Shark

Walker 1:

• 1st Place – Laura Pluymley
• 2nd Place – Holden Runyon, Simba & gang
• 3rd Place – Cathy Romage

Walker 3+:

• 1st Place – The Knights
• 2nd Place – The Greenbrier Goat
• 3rd Place – Lewisburg Girl Scouts Troop 31919

Joe Ellis Memorial Tradition: The Beards, Year of the Horse

Mary Satterfield Spirit: Greenbrier Valley Music Foundation

Chairman’s Award: The Greenbrier Goat

Jim Wills Memorial: The Knights

Oldest Participant: Mary Alice Beard – 91.5 years

Youngest Participant: Ellie Mae Mitchin – 3 weeks, 3 days

Farthest Traveled: Ellie Mae Mitchin

Photo Gallery

Photos and video by Dakota Baker, RealWV