A New Year's Day parade adventure by Ragnar

Pack goat Ragnar here, reporting live (well, slightly after the fact) from Lewisburg's New Year's Day Shanghai Parade 2025!  Let me tell you, this was one for the goat books.  And speaking of books, did you know this parade has a long and storied history?  Legend has it, it started way back in the late 1800s, a quirky celebration blending Appalachian traditions with…well, Shanghaiing your neighbors has something to do with it, but who’s complaining? It’s become a beloved Lewisburg tradition, a way to kick off the new year with a whole lot of fun and a touch of the bizarre (in the best way possible, of course!).

My human told me a funny story. Apparently, just for walking me through town with my bells on and to City Hall, he got a "lucky" two-dollar bill! Anyway, back to the parade.  Brrrr, it was a nippy one in West Virginia, but I love the cold!  Snow was swirling sideways, perfect for making my winter coat look even more magnificent, if I do say so myself.  At first, I was a little hesitant; you know how it is with us goats in the big city. But then, as we rounded the corner and I saw the people lining the streets, cheering and clapping, something magical happened. My hooves practically flew! I stretched out my strides, showing off my impressive pack (which, by the way, you can see in action this spring on the Greenbrier River Trail – more on that later!).  I even got to meet some important folks!

First, there was the majestic horse wearing a hat!  A real beauty. Then, I had the honor of standing next to the parade princess for a photo op!  They were amazed by me and very gracious. And the grand finale?  A picture next to a HUGE tree covered in twinkling lights!  It was like a goat’s Christmas dream come true and made me hungry.

But the best part?  The love.  Oh, the love!  Everyone there loves the River and so do I!  

I got neck scratches galore, and I heard “Oh, he’s so cute!” and "how big and strong" I was more times than I can count. 

And now, the big news!  Drumroll please…  I, Ragnar, proudly took FIRST PLACE!  Not just as the parades best animal, but also the coveted SHANGHAI SPIRIT AWARD!  Baaa-zah!  I told you it was a big day.

So, save the date—you might catch me again on New Year's Day 2026! Until then, you can meet me and my goat brothers on the Greenbrier River Trail for a pack goat adventure this spring. We’ll be exploring the trail, carrying gear, and generally being amazing. Come and join us! Just don’t offer me any two-dollar bills. Neck scratches are much preferred!

What a big day for The Greenbrier Goat!