SOUTH FORK — First place for best float and parade presentation in South Fork’s 2022 Independence Day parade on July 3 was awarded to True Grit Excavating.

“True Grit had a great presentation that added to the entire day,” said South Fork Chamber of Commerce President Joe Ford.

The South Fork Chamber established the float award this year as a way of building interest in the town’s parade and highlighting local businesses. The winning presentation included several massive vehicles used in their excavating business: a dump truck, a work truck, and a 650 horsepower “rock bouncer” — basically a monster-sized UTV with colossal wheels. “It’s what our True Grit racing team uses in hill races,” said True Grit Excavating owner Donald Burwell.

“They really got the crowd pumped as they rolled along,” Ford said. “They would rev the motor, raise and lower by suspension, and they tossed tons of treats to the kids.”

True Grit also participated in the live auction earlier in the day, which benefited South Fork Fire Rescue.

The competition was close, Ford said. Local businesses Alpine Ridge RV Park and Revolution Rail were close on True Grit’s heels. “It was an exciting three-way tie, a real nail-biter, with the tie-breaking vote coming in right at the 7 p.m. deadline from the last Chamber Board member.

Alpine Ridge RV Park had lots of Independence Day bling, while Revolution Rail's unique rail bikes and bubble blowing brought crowd smiles.

Burwell said he will display the WWF-ish award belt in his office. The Chamber’s plan moving forward is to have each year’s winner sign the belt and the belt will be held by the winner for display until next year’s winner is announced.

"It will be South Fork's version of the Stanley Cup," Ford said.