In recognition of our nation’s birth, the Pine Island American Legion will host a weekend-long celebration. Kicking things off will be the annual Independence Day Parade which will take place on Saturday, July 3. Floats, marchers, cyclists and other participants will gather in the Winn-Dixie parking lot at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning and the parade will commence at 10 a.m. Prior to the parade, Winn-Dixie also will be offering a continental breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. for the participants in the parade. This year’s Grand Marshall, DJ Ruscik, named Elk’s person of the year for 2010, will take participants along the parade route which will travel north on Stringfellow Road to the island center and end at the Elks Lodge next to Fire Station #1. The fun won’t stop there however, as the Elks Lodge will continue the festivities to recognize all of the children who participate in the bicycle parade. Each child will receive a free hot dog, chips and soft drinks at the end of the parade. The participating children also will be eligible for several prizes at the end of the parade. From 10 a.m. throughout the rest of the day, the public is welcome to come to the Elks Lodge and enjoy food and beverages that will be available for purchase.

Also on Saturday, the public is welcome to enjoy a meal of sloppy joe’s, cole slaw and baked beans as well as beverages for a very reasonable fee at the American Legion in St. James City. Members of the Legion also will present awards to parade participants in a number of categories during the after-parade celebration.

On Sunday, July 4, the American Legion will open its doors to the public to celebrate in a typical Independence Day hometown barbecue. Beginning at noon, Legion members will be cooking up hamburgers and brauts on the grill until 6 p.m. All are encouraged to plan to spend the day as other activities include a watermelon eating contest at 4:30 p.m followed by a performance by the Burnt Out Band from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Then at dusk, weather permitting, the Legion will present a spectacular fireworks display for all to enjoy. At that time, the children attending will be treated once again with a free serving of ice cream.

Guests of the Legion are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the fireworks, but no coolers will be permitted.

Spots in the parade are still available at this time.

“We are encouraging individuals, organizations and local merchants to participate in this year’s parade,” said Tom Ruscik. “They can travel the parade route on foot, aboard a float, horseback, golf cart, motorcycle or simply in a car with a banner along the side. What ever the means of transportation, all are welcome.”

For more information or to register to participate in the parade, call Tom Ruscik at 283-5270.