Fourth of July parade was a big success
Pine Islanders lined up well in advance of the 10 o’clock start time of the annual Fourth of July parade. Many adults brought folding chairs and set them up in the same spot to which they gravitate year after year. The kids came equipped with plastic bags to stow the candy that is thrown from floats and vehicles that pass.
The planning for the parade began weeks before. American Legion Post 136 took over the task in 2004. Tom Ruscik, the Legion’s Judge Advocate, logged a lot of miles going back and forth to Fort Myers to secure the required permits. Lee County DOT, Risk Management, and Sheriff all sign off. So does the Matlacha-Pine Island Fire Department.
Before the parade commenced, marchers and riders were treated to a continental breakfast by Winn-Dixie.
The American Legion Honor Guard took the lead. Close behind were the Legion Riders and the Chrome Divas. This year’s parade Grand Marshal was VFW Post 4353 Commander Richard Adams. The two posts earlier had collaborated on Memorial Day ceremonies.
Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott also was a participant, smiling and greeting those along the parade route. According to American Legion Commander Barry August, Scott gets invited to other communities for the Fourth but told him, “I’d rather be on Pine Island.”
August wanted to extend his thanks to the 26 groups which produced floats or vehicles to be in the parade. Taking first place was Pine Island Boat Club; second was the Kiwanis featuring a Liberty Bell made by Andre Mule; third was the Pine Island United Methodist Youth Group. Judges are a carefully guarded secret.
A total of 12 youngsters decorated bicycles. The winner was Tommy Van Grinsven, age 6; second place was Tessa Daniels, age 12; third was Isabella Kleinow, age 6. Judges were D.J. Ruscik and Jo de Shaw. Greater Pine Island Elks Lodge 2781 provided hotdogs and soft drinks for the children following the parade.
For the second year, Art Arway and his bagpipe played music for the occasion with a rendition of “The Marine Hymn” among his selections. A contingent of equestrians closed the parade.
During the afternoon the Legion, the VFW and the Moose lodges all served lunch. The Legion had bands until 8:30 p.m. August estimated the Legion had 450-500 customers throughout the day.
At the end of June, the possibility of fireworks on the Fourth seemed unlikely because of dry conditions. Fortunately, the rainy season kicked in just in time. On the big day, rain came early but by dusk all was perfect for the display.
“The skies cleared. There was no wind whatsoever,” August said. “This year was the best ever. This is how we pay back to the community.”