By Kathy L. Collins
The Annual Brandon 4th of July Parade presented by the Community Roundtable will be held on Thursday, July 4, beginning at 10 a.m. This year’s theme is “Honoring America’s Monuments and Memorials.”
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.
The Community Roundtable has presented the parade for over 50 years. This is the largest Independence Day parade in Florida. You can look forward to over 100 entries. Marie Cain, Parade Chairman and a Trustee with the Community Roundtable said, “We will have approximately 34 floats, bands from Bloomingdale High School and Brandon High School as well as veterans groups, Boy Scout and Girl School Troops and dance schools.”
In the VIP grandstand this year, The Community Roundtable will salute the 2013 Alice B. Tompkins Community Service Award winner, Betty Jo Tompkins along with past award winners which include Tammy Holmberg and Susan Saunders.
Cain said, “We invite any and all active duty military personnel to join us in the parade again this year. We have so many in the area, and it is just so great that we can personally honor them.”
One float to look for this year is an entry from the local Veterans Park Museum. The float will feature a miniature Vietnam Wall Memorial. Cain said, “We want people to know that we have a world-class museum right here in our own backyard.”
In addition to the amazing floats, talented marching bands and special guests, such as the Father of the Year and the 2013 Honorary Mayor, be on the lookout for various food vendors. Cain is hopeful that some area food trucks will take part in the parade this year.
The parade committee is looking for sponsors and volunteers. Students in need of community service hours can have fun and help the community by volunteering for set up and clean up.
Please contact the Community Roundtable at 661-4350 or email at roundtable2008@aol.com.
