LEWISBURG, W.Va. (WVDN) — The streets of Lewisburg were filled with local spirit and creative costumes on New Year’s Day for the annual Shanghai Parade. Despite a biting temperature of 31 degrees—feeling more like 21 with the wind chill—an estimated crowd of 1,000 spectators gathered to cheer on 40 unique entries during the aproximately 30 minute spectacle.
The 2026 event was overseen by Master of Ceremonies Mike Kidd and a panel of judges, including Emily Smead McCourt, Jeremy McCourt, Kate Bowling Glasser, Jake Glasser, and Karen Wines. Scorekeeping duties were managed by Michelle and Shane Hanna.
Top Honors and Specialty Awards
The coveted Super Duper Pooper Scooper award was presented to the Schleiff Family. Additionally, Bill and Gloria Martin were recognized as the Lewisburg Volunteers of the Year.
Several participants walked away with prestigious memorial and specialty awards:
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 (91½ years)
Youngest Participant and Farthest Traveled: Ellie Mae Mitchin (3 weeks, 3 days)
2026 Category Winners
Antique Cars:
1st Place: Jeremy Thomas – 1965 International Scout.
2nd Place: Jerry Vance – 1948 Plymouth Coupe.
3rd Place: Tom Foster – 1949 Plymouth Special Deluxe.
Floats:
1st Place: The Beard Family – “Year of the Horse.”
2nd Place: Greenbrier River Optimistic Ukulele Players.
3rd Place: The Democrat Executive Committee.
Musical:
1st Place: Greenbrier Valley Music Foundation – “Playing into 2026.”
Decorated Farm Equipment:
1st Place: The Huffmans & Friends.
2nd Place: Leo Kishchukov (Racing Mower).
3rd Place: Ollie Mullens – “The Shark.”
Walkers (Individuals and Groups)
Walker 1 (1st): Laura Plumley.
Walker 1 (2nd): Holden Runyon – “Simba & Gang.”
Walker 1 (3rd): Cathy Romage.
Walker 3+ (1st): The Knights.
Walker 3+ (2nd): The Greenbrier Goat.
Walker 3+ (3rd): Lewisburg Girl Scouts Troop 31919.
