Legion’s July 4th Parade attracts a large crowd
Spectators began lining up along Stringfellow Road before 8 a.m. Saturday. By 10 a.m., when the cannon sounded to start the annual American Legion Post 136 July 4th Parade, there were hundreds along he parade route.
The Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Department led the parade with sirens and horns blasting and floats and marchers made their way along Stringfellow Road from Winn-Dixie to Pine Island Road.
Holding the American flag, Rick Alvarez led the American Legion Post 136 Honor Guard as the Legion Post float passed by. The annual parade is open to everyone and included local restaurants, real estate and even palm tree farms.
“This is the biggest and longest parade I’ve ever seen,” Mary Cord said. “I’ve been bringing my children since they were babies and it just gets bigger and better every year.”
This year’s Mango Queen, Jonna Bouchard, waved to the crown from her throne aboard the MangoMania Tropical Fruit float as those walking alongside the floats threw candy and gifts to the crowd.
Mike Simmins brought his two boys, Caleb and Casey, all the way from Cape Coral. Caleb, 10, had handfuls of candy, flying discs and beads.
“I think the boys were mostly excited about the old cars and the small ponies and they were surprised to see the bicycles at the end of the parade.” Simmins said.
“This is the 13th year that the American Legion has sponsored the parade,” Tom Ruscik, parade organizer, said. “This is open to everyone and I am really thrilled with this turnout this year.”
Children with bicycles between the ages of 6 and 13 were invited to participate and at the end of the parade were the Bike and Trike’s.
The nearly one-hour parade wound down and just after 11 a.m., turning left towards the Elks Lodge 2781 where hot dogs, chips and drinks were being served to the children.
The celebration continued all day and into the night at the American Legion. After dark, the legion also hosted the annual fireworks display.