Longboat Key pulls all the stops for special Freedom Fest

When asked what they thought of this year's special anniversary edition of Longboat Key's Freedom Fest, parade-goers landed on three main descriptors: Creative, cute and fun.

The famous "World's Shortest Parade" exuded hometown patriotic pride the morning of the Fourth of July with a robust list of activities for residents, visiting family members and tourists seeking local entertainment over the holiday weekend.

Starting at 9 a.m. along Bay Isles Road across the street from Town Hall, dogs dressed in patriotic capes and families waving miniature American flags awaited the starting cue. Then, with the melodic wail of bagpipes and flashing of fire engine lights, the procession began.

This year's Freedom Fest was special in more ways than one. In addition to being a triumphant return to the full-fledged celebration, it coincided with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Celebrations are taking place across the country this holiday weekend, but Freedom Fest uniquely showcased the Key's community traditions. Familiar faces like that of Parade Marshal Susan Phillips smiled out to onlookers, and Chucko the All-American Clown drew giggles from even shyer festival attendees when they got the chance to try on a classic red nose.

Kim Verreault, president and CEO of the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce, said organizers were delighted with the turnout, the enthusiastic participation in costume contests, and the cooperative weather, which only began to rumble as the final festival activities came to a close.

"Enjoy yourselves today," she told Freedom Fest attendees as they made their way into the Bicentennial Park. "And happy birthday, America!"

Park rededication

To recognize the 250th anniversary, town officials also took the time to rededicate Bicentennial Park, where the butterfly release and carnival games took place after the parade.

Commissioner Steve Branham spoke from the steps of Town Hall, saying, "The park was officially dedicated on July 4, 1976. The property was deeded to the town in 1978."

"The Longboat Key Garden Club has been a steward of this park for 50 years," he said. "What you see around the park is the product of their efforts over the years."

Attendees then made their way to the other side of the park, where the Longboat Key Garden Club orchestrated the release of 250 live butterflies with the support of many delighted helpers of all ages. The butterflies, with a flurry of flapping wings, rose above the Butterfly Garden, which the club originally owned and still manages.

Club President Melanie Dale said the display was the best yet since it became an annual tradition to recognize the memory of Lisa Walsh.

Walsh, a former Freedom Fest grand marshal, was the executive editor and co-owner of the Longboat Observer. She co-founded the island's Fourth of July celebratory event and made notable contributions to the community over the years. Family members commemorated her legacy by being among the first to release their butterflies.

Dale said she was touched to see so many people join in the moment, which was many months in the making to order and prepare the butterflies for their flight. She said that, considering how the club relies upon people donating their time and resources to facilitate community projects, members appreciated being able to show their appreciation.

"It's almost magical," Dale said after seeing the butterflies soar above the in-person crowd. "It doesn't matter how many times you see it. When you say 'Go!' and see this beautiful canopy, it's the epitome of what this whole day is about. They have their freedom, and we have our freedom."

Families dispersed throughout the park following the release for face painting, a dunk tank, colorful sand crafts, a petting zoo, shaved ice and carnival games.

Departing celebrants also took a moment to get a photo with JoDene Moneuse and her "Most Patriotic" prize-winning float.

She enlisted family members to help her decorate her cherry-red 1956 Chevy with fringe and banners. She took home a $500 prize from the chamber, courtesy of Jack Dean Flooring.

'Hot Diggity Dog!'

The Rotary Club of Longboat Key also brought back its "Hot Diggity Dog!" parade and costume contest. While community members could still participate in a digital contest last year, this Freedom Fest saw the return of the full show.

Medge Jaspan and her dog Bisou won the best owner-dog combination; Eileen Kamerick and Tully won the most patriotic; and Barbara Diznoff and Micky won the most creative. The four honorable mention teams were Max Moneuse with Hughie; Gail Yeager with Bentley; Michael and Kelly Van Vliet with Lucy; and John Wagman with Huk.

Coordinator Carol Erker said Rotary was glad to see so many excellently-dressed dogs and family members out that day.