Bring Family To Brandon’s Annual Fourth Of July Parade, Largest In State

Come out with family and friends and share the tradition of the Annual Brandon Fourth of July Parade. This family friendly event has something for everyone.

The Annual Brandon Fourth of July Parade presented by the Community Roundtable will be held on Wednesday, July 4, beginning at 10 a.m. This year’s theme is “Brandon’s Pioneering Families.” Each float in the parade will represent Brandon’s history.

The parade route will begin at Lumsden and Parsons. The route will continue north on Parsons, stop at the reviewing stand located in front of the Copper Bell Restaurant at Parsons and Oakfield, continue west on Robertson and end at Buckingham Place.

Janine Nickerson, Vice President of the Community Roundtable said, “The Community Roundtable has presented the parade for more than 50 years. This is the largest Independence Day parade in Florida.  Parents look forward to bringing their kids to enjoy the spectacle just as they did when they were children.”

New this year is a VIP grandstand. Nickerson said, “Some of our guests will include families of participants such as Helen Mulrennan Young, Dick Stowers, the family of the winner of the Father of the Year contest, former Honorary Mayors, Brandon Regional Hospital staff and others.”

 Also look for Nam Knights, a group of veterans made up of New York City firemen and policemen who will accompany a float pulling a large piece of steel from Ground Zero.

In addition to the amazing floats, talented marching bands and special guests such as the Father of the Year and the 2012 Honorary Mayor, be on the lookout for Food Trucks! According to Marie Cain, Parade Chair “We are hoping to have some of the popular food trucks stationed along the route.”

Cain would also like to invite any veterans from the Iraq War to come and participate in the parade. “This would give the community the opportunity to properly welcome home these heroes,” said Cain.

The Parade Committee is looking for sponsors and volunteers. Sponsorships are available for as little as $500. Students in need of community service hours can have fun and help the community by volunteering for set up and clean up.

For more information on the 2012 Fourth of July Parade, please contact the Community Roundtable at 661-4350 or e-mail at roundtable2008@aol.com.