Fourth of July parade rolls through Bonita Springs after two year hiatus
The Bonita Springs Fourth of July parade was back after two years of being canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
More than 65 floats, fire trucks, church groups, and cars carrying politicians meandered down Old U.S. 41 Monday morning.
New this year was a longer parade route that stretched from Rosemary Drive south to Kentucky Street.
“We are real excited,” said parade coordinator Brian Hornberger. “With 68 entries it is a little bit bigger than normal.”
75-plus things to do in July: Plan for July Fourth events, see SNL's Darrell Hammond
July 4: Looking for something to do? Here's our top 5 things to do in Naples, Bonita this weekend
Also new were two tow trucks holding up a gigantic American flag to form an archway over Old U.S. 41. This year’s parade theme was “Small Town-Big Parade.”
“I enjoy the participation of it,” Hornberger said before the parade began. “I am just looking forward to seeing everyone come out again and continue the tradition.”
Thousands of people lined the road happy to see the parade return after the two-year hiatus.
“We enjoy the parade,” said Gary Anderson, who has lived in Bonita Springs for eight years. “We like the water cannons and watching the kids get candy.”
“Yes I am glad to see it back,” said Jodi Hanson, who came with her grandson.
Robin and Gerri Burke wanted to show that the tradition of super-soakers are not just for kids. The two senior citizens arrived with giant super-soakers and huge buckets of water and drenched those that drove by on fire trucks and floats.
“You gotta be young inside,” Robin Burke said.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Bonita Springs Fourth of July parade celebrates America's birthday
