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Parade Banner Suggestions

Whether you’re marching in Sparta’s annual Christmas Parade or making a special appearance in the Independence Day parade in Independence, VA, you want your banner to be seen. And caring for it properly will allow you to re-use it for a long time.

For a good, visible parade banner, we generally suggest 3 foot x 8 or 10 foot size. (Our banners are made  with double grommets every 2 feet, so we sell them in 2-foot increments.) For parades, we’ve had good luck attaching banners to a closet rod or stairway hand-rail. They’re easily available at home improvement stores already sanded.

Get one approximately 4 feet longer than the banner so that the two carriers can walk without kicking it and use zip ties to attach the banner to the pole.

Parade Banner Idea from Imaging Specialists.
Parade Banner Idea from Imaging Specialists.

For added stability, attach a second rod to the bottom. This one should be cut the length of the banner- again so the carriers don’t kick it. Sometimes, when high winds are in the forecast, we cut curved vents into banners so wind can pass through.

Here are some Banner Care tips:

  • Secure it
    When hanging your banner, secure it well. Otherwise, the wind can catch it and whip the corners. Our banners have grommets every two feet for easy hanging.
  • Roll it
    Loosely roll your vinyl banner with the vinyl facing outward. Don’t fold it or put anything very tight, like a rubber band, around it which could permanently crease or warp it.
  • Clean it
    Do not use solvents to clean your banner. Wipe it down with a damp, soft cloth. If needed, use a mild detergent or soap and water. Wipe clean with soft cloth. Do not use harsh solvents. Make sure your banner is completely dry before storing it.
  • Store it
    Store the banner in a cool, dry place. Don’t store your banner in extremely high temperatures, such as a car trunk, attic or storage building.

Need a new banner? Contact us for pricing. If you have any problems with your banner, or any additional questions concerning care, contact us at info@imagingspecialists.net or 336-372-3002.

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Christmas Bookfest – December 8

Join us Thursday evening, December 8, for our Christmas Bookfest – book signings at The Sparta Store.

Authors Kate Clay Bodeen (NCSH Award Winner Pat Crisp, Like a Moth to the Flame) and Dr. Suzanne Mellow Irwin (The Stratford Oaks Tales), as well as illustrator Zach Hamm (The Stratford Oaks Tales) will be here from 3:00 till 6:00 that afternoon. A representative from High Country Hospice will also have copies of their award-winning cookbook, Meals and Memories, available.

In addition to having your book signed, you’ll have a chance to learn about their upcoming projects.

Also, you’ll be able to check out the latest release from Star Route Books, Regimental History of the 61st NC Infantry. This is the second in our popular history book series and others are planned for release next year.

We’ll also have some edible treats. The Alleghany Historical Museum is hosting a Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event and is planning to have goodies for everyone. Alleghany County Library is co-hosting the event.

Our neighboring shops on Main Street will also have extended hours December 8. Be sure to stop by Backwoods Bean, Murphy’s Mercantile, and Studio Redwood that evening and support our local merchants and businesses.

Download a PDF of the event flyer!

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November 17 & 18 – Class & TV Show

Next Thursday night, November 17th at 6:30, Jeremy Halsey will lead a class at the Alleghany County Public Library. The class will focus on Internet Radio, TV and movies, and how to purchase and download music legally.

There is no charge for the class, but registration is required. To register or for more information, contact the Library at 336-372-5573 or contact Jeremy through his site.

The next night, Friday the 18th, at 7, the Special Christmas Show at the Alleghany Jubilee will be filmed. Admission will be just $5.

Make plans to attend 1 (or both!) of these events!

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BOOKFEST – June 2

Thursday, June 2, from 3-6:00 pm, we’ll host book signings at The Sparta Store for two books we’ve helped with.

Dr. Suzanne Mellow Irwin and Zach Hamm, author and illustrator of the children’s book, The Stratford Oaks Tales, The Tale of Gretchen, and Kate Clay Bodeen, author of Pat Crisp, Like a Moth to the Flame, a historical book about her grandfather, will be here. Both books are currently available at The Sparta Store, online and in-store.

Suzanne and Zach will be at the store, and Kay will be next door at the Alleghany Historical Museum.

The Museum is hosting Business After Hours for the Chamber of Commerce, but the food and drinks will in our store. It will definitely be a collaborative effort.

The event is co-hosted by Alleghany County Library. David, Gary, and Ernest Joines volunteered to supply old-time music.

Come out and see everyone!
If you really need a reason to come out on a Thursday night, you might want to…

Support our local authors.
Check out the Education in Alleghany Exhibit at the Museum.
Listen to David, Gary, and Ernest play.
Talk to Bob and Debbie and learn about the services the Chamber and Library offer our community.

We look forward to seeing you on June 2!

If you’ve got a book you need help with, or just a good idea, contact us today!

UPDATE:

Now you check out video from the event:

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2011 Banner Sale

Start promoting your big summer event now! We make beautiful, reusable weather-proof vinyl banners for churches, corporations and civic groups. Bring your sketch and we’ll design your one-of-a-kind banner.

14 oz. vinyl banner material. Double metal grommets every 2 feet. Cut vinyl installed on white, black, red, blue, yellow or green banner. 22″, 34″ or 46″ high by whatever length you need! Contact us for pricing or call 336-372-3002.

All Banners are 10% off All May.  Also ask about our rates for corrugated plastic yard signs.