Members of Mason Nation took part in the City of Fairfax Independence Day Parade on Monday, July 4, 2022, as part of Mason’s 50th anniversary. Fairfax's parade is one of the largest in Virginia.
This year’s parade was the first time Mason had a float, and participants from Athletics included women’s basketball head coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis, men’s volleyball head coach Jay Hosack, women’s basketball assistant coaches Demetria Frank, Chandler McCabe and Niki Washington, wrestling assistant coach Camden Ross Eppert, and the Patriot mascot.
Student-athletes from the women’s basketball team and the wrestling team joined Patriot Club members and athletics staff in the parade.
Also participating were Green Machine Ensembles Director Michael “Doc Nix” Nickens, the Green Machine Dirty Gold Brass Band, and the Emerald Desire Dancers. Mason Police also marched.
About 150 faculty, staff, alumni and students participated in the parade.
The previous participation record was in 2019, with about 100 marchers.
Mason Athletics float was selected as this year’s first-place winner of the Mayor and Council Award.
Editor's note: Participant numbers have been updated since this story was initially published.