Patriots on Parade join Fairfax City Fourth of July celebration

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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.

Members of Mason nation wear green shirts with Patriots on Parade and the 50th anniversary logo as they march in the City of Fairfax independence day parade.
Members of Mason Nation march in the City of Fairfax Independence Day Parade. Photo by Sierra Guard/Creative Services

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.

Members of Patriot Nation hold the Mason 50th banner and walk in the Independence Day Parade
Some of the 150-plus members of Mason Nation who marched in the parade on July 4. Photo by Sierra Guard/Creative Services

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 basketball coach Vanessa Blair Lewis and members of the women's basketball team dressed in green Mason T-shirts on the Mason float for the Fairfax City July 4 parade
Women's basketball coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis is shown on Athletics' float with basketball players in the City of Fairfax Independence Day Parade on Monday, July 4, 2022. Photo by Sierra Guard/Creative Services.

Mason Athletics float was selected as this year’s first-place winner of the Mayor and Council Award.

Crowds along the parade route greet the Mason Athletics Float
Crowds along the parade route greet the Mason Athletics float. Photo by Sierra Guard/Creative Services

Editor's note: Participant numbers have been updated since this story was initially published.