STRONG — The town will celebrate Pierpole, one of its first settlers, and honor its war veterans Friday.

The afternoon and evening of activities offers a chance to celebrate Strong’s unique history while enjoying live music and good food.

According to parade organizer Jeff O’Donnell, this year’s parade theme is “As Seen on TV.” The parade lineup starts at 5 p.m. on North Main Street and marches at 6 p.m. down Main Street to the fire station, before the Sandy River Bridge. The Shriners will bring their Krazy Kops.

“We’ll have antique tractors, ATV riders and the Alabama 15th Civil War re-enactors and lots more this year,” he said. “We’ll have cash prizes of $100, $75 and $50 for the top three entrants.”

The American Legion also has planned a special ceremony at the Veterans’ Memorial next to the Forster Memorial Building.

“We’ll have a 21-musket salute, bagpipes and the American Legion’s Color Guard doing the honors,” O’Donnell said. “It has become a tradition, and people seem to really enjoy it.”

For those who want to see the parade and the memorial ceremony, O’Donnell suggests watching the parade along upper Main Street before it arrives at the Forster Memorial Building. The rest of the parade will continue to the fire station.

This year’s food and music offerings have expanded, he said. The Fire Department Auxiliary will offer a sizzling barbecue from 4 to 7 p.m., or until the chicken is gone. The Black Dog Cafe will start serving meals at 11 a.m., with a big barbecue and side dishes at outdoor tables until 6 p.m.

Everyone will have a chance to listen to two live bands; Cadagan will play from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Black Dog Cafe, and Stay Tuned will entertain from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the White Elephant, which also will feature menu specials.