Legion’s July 4th parade a blast
Spectators for the annual island July 4th Parade began looking for shady spots to place their lawn chairs early Saturday morning. By the time the parade left the Winn-Dixie parking lot at 10 a.m., there were hundreds lined along the half-mile stretch of Stringfellow Road.
“This is the biggest crowd in a while,” American Legion Post #136 Commander Tom Lewis said. “We always have a great turnout but with it being so warm, I thought people might stay home. But this is great people are lined up along the entire route.”
The Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Department lead the parade with sirens and horns blasting followed by Lee County EMTs and Lee County Sheriff”s Department.
Carrying the American flag, Rick Alvarez led the American Legion Post 136 Color Guard as the American Legion float passed by.
This year’s Mango Queen, Summer Dooley, waved to the crowd from her throne aboard the Mango Mania Tropical Fruit float as those walking along side the float threw candy and gifts to the crowd.
“This is the 14th year that the American Legion has sponsored the parade,” Lewis said. “This is open to everyone. We have antique cars, the island churches, floats from businesses and chartable organizations, Boy Scouts, ponies, lawn mowers and at the end of the parade bicycles.”
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 Trikes.
The nearly one-hour parade wound down and just after 11 a.m., the last float turned 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 held the annual fireworks display.