Beads a big hit at strawberry festival parade
Autumn Stephens is all smiles as she collects her first string of beads in the Strawberry Parade. The 81 unit parade made it's way through Plant City Monday. Under new management, the parade now allows beads and candy to be distributed. Beads and candy were banned from the parade following a fatal accident in the 2008 Christmas parade. JIM REED/STAFF
By GEORGE H. NEWMAN The Tampa Tribune
Published: March 7, 2011
PLANT CITY - Autumn Stephens and her 8-year-old classmate Aubryn Williamson came to Monday's Strawberry Parade looking for the colorful floats and music.
And lots of beads.
"I think the parade is really cool," Williamson said. "I am looking for about 20 beads before I'm done."
"I'm going to get 100 beads," Stephens said, trumping her Knights Elementary School classmate.
Thousands of people jammed downtown streets to see the parade, which included floats, bands and Miss Florida Jackie Raulerson of Plant City as grand marshal. Some staked their places out hours before the 81-unit procession started making its way to the grounds of the festival, which continues through Sunday..
This was the first time in a couple years that beads, candy and trinkets were distributed at the festival's premier parade. The distribution was stopped for safety concerns but a nonprofit that took over operation of the parade this year brought them back.
They were an instant hit.
Four-year-old Pagan Edmond had a neck full and the parade had barely started.
He was ready for anything. He even carried a dollar in his hand if he had to pay for a set of beads. The beads and candy were flying off many of the floats and the little guy got to keep his money.
"He said he would buy them if he needs to," his mother Asher said. "But so far they keep passing them out to him."
Mac McGrath, who was at the parade with 4-year-old twins, daughter, Nahlia, and son Asher, said he was thrilled with that goodies had returned.
"I think bringing beads and candy back to the parade brings a lot more excitement to the parade," McGrath said. "It's great for the kids."
By GEORGE H. NEWMAN The Tampa Tribune
Published: March 7, 2011
PLANT CITY - Autumn Stephens and her 8-year-old classmate Aubryn Williamson came to Monday's Strawberry Parade looking for the colorful floats and music.
And lots of beads.
"I think the parade is really cool," Williamson said. "I am looking for about 20 beads before I'm done."
"I'm going to get 100 beads," Stephens said, trumping her Knights Elementary School classmate.
Thousands of people jammed downtown streets to see the parade, which included floats, bands and Miss Florida Jackie Raulerson of Plant City as grand marshal. Some staked their places out hours before the 81-unit procession started making its way to the grounds of the festival, which continues through Sunday..
This was the first time in a couple years that beads, candy and trinkets were distributed at the festival's premier parade. The distribution was stopped for safety concerns but a nonprofit that took over operation of the parade this year brought them back.
They were an instant hit.
Four-year-old Pagan Edmond had a neck full and the parade had barely started.
He was ready for anything. He even carried a dollar in his hand if he had to pay for a set of beads. The beads and candy were flying off many of the floats and the little guy got to keep his money.
"He said he would buy them if he needs to," his mother Asher said. "But so far they keep passing them out to him."
Mac McGrath, who was at the parade with 4-year-old twins, daughter, Nahlia, and son Asher, said he was thrilled with that goodies had returned.
"I think bringing beads and candy back to the parade brings a lot more excitement to the parade," McGrath said. "It's great for the kids."
No comments:
Post a Comment