Sharpe named Christmas Parade Grand Marshal
Walter “Lee” Sharpe
The Grand Marshal for the 75th Annual Alexander County Christmas Parade has tirelessly served our county and community with commitment, dedication and distinction, for most of his life. The Alexander County Christmas Parade Committee is pleased to announce that Walter “Lee” Sharpe has been named the Grand Marshal of the 75th annual event.
Mr. Sharpe, owner/publisher of The Taylorsville Times newspaper, has served the Alexander County community for decades having written thousands of articles and columns, serving on dozens of county improvement projects, chronicling county history through the newspaper and history books, and much more. He currently serves as a member of the Alexander County Historic Preservation Committee.
Mr. Sharpe was born on April 9, 1942, to Conway and Irene Hendren Sharpe. He celebrated his 80th birthday this year. A graduate of Hiddenite High School and Lenoir-Rhyne College, he married the former Jane Fox in 1964. Lee is pleased to spend time with his two sons, Wesley and John, and two grandchildren, Evan and Taylor.
The local newspaper recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, lately under Mr. Sharpe’s leadership as he became managing editor at age 22 after graduating from college.
As a lifetime member of Hiddenite United Methodist Church, Mr. Sharpe has served as a lay leader, Sunday school teacher, council chairperson, finance chair, and more.
“Lee has done so much for our community, it is our honor to name him the Grand Marshal of this year’s parade,” said Dwaine Coley, parade coordinator. “His personal and professional accolades are second to none. He is such a wonderful person and a community servant who has worked tirelessly for the betterment of Alexander County for many years.”
“Make plans to attend the 75th Annual Alexander County Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 3, at 3:00 p.m. and be sure to wave at Lee Sharpe when he passes by. Congratulations to Walter ‘Lee’ Sharpe for being named this year’s Grand Marshal of the Alexander County Christmas Parade,” Coley stated.
Learn more about this year’s parade at https://alexandercountync.gov/parade.
Persons who have waited until the last minute to register and enter the parade, may be out of luck. The parade is being limited to 200 entries this year, and the number as of Tuesday, November 21, is nearing the maximum. If you are interested in participating contact the parade at www.alexanderchristmasparade.com for more questions, details and information. Entry forms can be downloaded at www.alexandercountync.gov/parade.
