
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, May 3, 1990                   TAG: 9005030526
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A14   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

FOR LOW-POLLUTION CIVIC PARADES

VINTON has taken the lead in its recycling program. Now here's the next step toward improving the environment: Get rid of all those cars in the Vinton Dogwood Festival Parade!

As I watched 40 or 50 vehicles of all kinds chug up Washington Avenue in low gear, I found myself imagining a future parade in which the floats were pulled by people power, the Little Miss Whoevers rode in electric golf carts, the politicians hoofed it, and the car clubs parked their special vehicles for display.

Imagine the entire parade promoting an "environmentally friendly" theme, with Congressman Olin riding in an experimental solar-powered car, with more bikes, scooters, skates, hoofed animals. Vinton could lead the way to a new era of civic pride.

It might even be more fun to watch (and less fume-y). How about a parade that tries consciously for a minimum of air pollution? That's something to try for. I saw cheerleaders waving from a truck - c'mon, people, walking's not that bad! Think about it for next year, OK?

\ MARGIE LANGSTON\ VINTON

by CNB