Fourth of July puts music on parade
After the parade, the Brandon Blast offers patriotic fun, culminating with fireworks, of course.
By ANDREW MEACHAM
Published July 1, 2005
Organizers of Brandon's Fourth of July parade entered this year's planning with one goal: to blow the doors off the outdoors.
They chose a theme, "Music, Music, Music," to shore up a weak area in years past, said Peggy Stuart, who chaired the parade committee for the President's Roundtable.
The parade groups starting at Parsons Avenue and Lumsden Road at 10 a.m. Monday can decorate their floats however they like. But music must be a part of their presentations.
"It can be a '50s theme, disco or whatever," Stuart said.
This year's 92-unit parade represents a dropoff from 110 in 2004, an election year. Stuart called the disparity a net gain, since at least 30 units were campaigning for one candidate or another.
The day's other big event begins at 4 p.m., when the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce stages this year's Brandon Blast at Westfield Brandon mall with music, food and fireworks to honor the military. Both events are free.
To get the day started, the 1.5-mile parade will head north on Parsons Avenue, hangs a left on Robertson Street and concludes at the Brandon Mall. A combined marching band of students from Brandon and Bloomingdale high schools will set a Fourth of July tone. It is up to participants to blare or blast music as best they can, even if it's by boom box.
TECO will bring out its Gasparilla float, a two-tiered vessel in Buccaneer red, pewter and black. Members of Ye Eternal Krewe of Antiquitis, a charity, may emerge as characters from the past, real or fictional, from Napoleon to Rhett Butler - unless sweltering temperatures prohibit costumes, president Alisha Furlong said.
If residents see a red barn lumbering up Parsons Avenue, that's just the Future Farmers of America waving, hey y'all. The float, built by Mann Middle School alumni, comes with a white picket fence, a green pasture and a couple of scarecrows.
The 290th Joint Communications Support Squadron from McDill Air Force Base will add a military presence to the parade.
No parade would be complete without Uncle Sam. The old patriot will try to drive a Model A Ford while fenders and other pieces fall into the street each block. Paul Tucker, 60, has played a beleaguered Uncle Sam for 20 years with a car he inherited from his father-in-law, a clown.
The parade should wind down by 12:30 p.m. at Brandon Mall, organizers say. Participants will try to save their best for judges at a reviewing stand at 505 W Robertson St., the Tampa Tribune building, who will hand out trophies for best pirate krewe, best musical performance, and most unique offering.
The President's Roundtable focuses on the Fourth of July Parade as one of its key events, Stuart said. "It brings people together for a fun day, and that's why we do it." For those who want to keep the party going, the Brandon Blast: Military Appreciation and Community Celebration gets under way at 4 p.m. at Westfield Brandon mall. A KC-135 refueling tanker will fly over the crowd at 4:15 p.m.
Five hours of entertainment follow, with plenty of food vendors and activities for children. The jazz group Mystic Soul entertains from 4 to 4:45 p.m., followed by OutDrive, Strange Brew, and Rosemary Reach.
Mad Science of Tampa Bay and the Earl Harris School of Karate will give demonstrations.
All active or retired military personnel with identification, including members of the Coast Guard, National Guard and reservists, and family members are eligible for a free meal and tickets to children's entertainment such as the "fun jump" structure and others.
The salute and celebration ends with a 15-minute fireworks show by Beall's Fireworks, starting at 9 p.m. on the west lawn of the shopping center. Partygoers may bring lawn chairs for the show.
IF YOU GOBrandon's 47th Annual Fourth of July Parade
ROUTE: Starts at Parsons Avenue at Lumsden Road. The 1.5-mile parade heads north on Parsons, then turns left (west) on Robertson Street to Brandon Mall at 939 W Brandon Blvd.
WHEN: Parade starts at 10 a.m. Monday and lasts until about 12:30 p.m.
DETAILS: Call 653-9557.
Brandon Blast: Military Appreciation and Community Celebration
WHERE: Westfield Brandon mall, 459 Brandon Town Center Drive.
WHEN: 4 to 9 p.m. Monday.
COST: The event is free; food may be purchased from vendors.
DETAILS: Call 689-1221, or visit www.brandonchamber.com