- May 2, 2024
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LAKEWOOD RANCH — This weekend, Lakewood Ranch Main Street will come alive to pay tribute to the country’s servicemen and women and celebrate the American spirit.
The Tribute to Heroes Memorial Day parade event will start at 5 p.m. Sunday, May 24, on Lakewood Ranch Main Street, with the parade starting at 6 p.m. near the Polo Grill and Bar and ending near Ed’s Tavern.
“We’re trying to create a bigger celebration after the parade, so we will have food and drink stations set up along the parade route,” said event chairwoman Lori Ruth, associate publisher of the East County Observer. “How fun is it going to be to be able to buy a taco and eat on the street while you are waiting for the parade? All the (Main Street) merchants are really involved.”
This year’s parade features three marching bands, the Shriners mini cars, floats, Veterans of Foreign Wars members riding motorcycles and more. Children also are encouraged to participate in the bicycle-decorating contest, which offers prizes for “cutest,” “most patriotic” and “most original” categories.
The parade will conclude with a patriotic ceremony with a dove release; attendees then should head toward Ed’s Tavern for live music, vendor booths and other festivities so people “can party in the streets,” Ruth said.
New this year also will be a kids zone sponsored by Grace Community Church with a bounce house, an inflatable slide and Mote Marine Laboratory’s salt water touch tank and interactive table displays.
“It’s not just a parade,” Ruth said. “It’s a festival.”
Attendees are encouraged to bring items to donate to Manasota Operation Troop Support, a nonprofit that sends packages to soldiers stationed overseas with ties to the Sarasota/Bradenton area.
SERVING SOLDIERS
Guests are encouraged to bring items for Manasota Operation Troop Support, MOTS, which will distribute goods to soldiers with ties to the area who are serving oversees. Containers will be on-site to accept donations.
Suggested items include:
