Old West rules at VC Fourth parade

Saloon girls, gunslingers, cowboys and others in authentic Old West garb separate Virginia City's Fourth of July celebrations from other patriotic events.

Russ and Celeste Cornish of Yucca Valley, Calif., were two of the Old West impersonators. Dressed as a caretaker and a "true" lady, with intricate details including feathered hats, jewelry and a measuring tape, the couple said they have worn the guises for about 15 years. They said Virginia City allows them to celebrate the holiday the way it was meant to be spent.

"It's lots of fun to get in the spirit of it," Celeste Cornish said. "We love the Old West; we were just born 100 years too late."

Many said Friday's parade down historic C Street was the largest and longest in the city's history and cheered by nearly 1,000 spectators.

Parade-goers ate oversize hot dogs, candy apples and giant ice cream cones. Most congregated in front of the city's many saloons, which helped the city achieve its infamy.

Inez Frady's family has lived in Virginia City for more than 90 years. She said the nearly hourlong parade doesn't compare to those of her youth.

"People come from all over to watch the parade, spend the day, and have a great time," Frady said. "The place is jammed. Word has gotten out that it is fun up here and a relaxing atmosphere."

Marti Eddy of Kernville, Calif, wore red, white and blue from her foot-high, sequined American flag hat to her blue shoes with white laces. She said Virginia City is her favorite place to celebrate America's independence.

"I have been coming here for four years, and I love the Old West and the feeling of Western history." she said. "I love the fireworks, the parade and the Comstock Cowboys. "

Eddy said she also enjoys the colors and patriotism of the holiday.

"The Fourth is about people coming together and celebrating the birth of America."

Eddy, her fiance and a friend said they planned to wander the streets of Virginia City as costume-character actors of the Old West.

Grand marshal of the parade was midshipman Jef Ross, the first Virginia City High School graduate to be admitted to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.

Ross, who is studying aerospace engineering, said he hopes to become a Navy pilot or an astronaut. He is a 2002 graduate of Virginia City High School and has lived in the area since he was 8.

"It's great to come home because back East you are just one person in a big sea of people, but here everyone knows and respects you and thanks you for what you are doing," Ross said.

"I love the Fourth because it allows me to think about what I will be doing," he said. "This is why I am in the military."

The parade was followed by foot- stompin' music by the Comstock Boys and a fireworks presentation at dusk in Miners Park.