Independence Day Parade to be held on Saturday, July 3, this year
This year, the annual Independence Day parade will be held on Saturday, July 3, beginning at 10 a.m. from the Winn-Dixie parking lot, and ending at the Elks Lodge on Pine Island Road.
Weather permitting, there will be a fireworks display, and following the parade, there will be music and food starting at noon at American Legion Post #136.
Tom Larkin from the Legion says they have been sponsoring the event for over twenty years.
“The parade is open to the public,” Larkin said, “anyone can participate, with a float or even your own car with your business logo on the side to promote your business.”
Larkin said it’s especially fun when people bring a unique vehicle, such as an old fashioned car. If folks would like to, Larkin said it’s fine to simply march in the parade. Many people choose to create their own float for the parade, and children on bicycles are also welcome.
“There is a prize given to the kids for the best decorated bicycle,” said Larkin.
He wants to be sure people know they can pick up registration forms at the American Legion. It is especially important, Larkin said, that people know about the parade, since it was cancelled last year due to the pandemic.
“We’ve gotten so many phone calls,” Larkin said, regarding the parade and the fireworks. “We’ve got to have permits for both. This year we really want to make it known that we are back to normal.
“This has been a long-term Pine Island tradition,” he continued. “It’s truly a community event, although everyone is welcome. We take a lot of pride in holding this event for our residents and visitors.”
American Legion Post #136 is located at 4106 Stringfellow Road, St. James City. It’s mailing address is P.O. Box 776, St. James City, FL, 33956.