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BRADENTON, FL; The HERNANDO DESOTO HISTORICAL SOCIETY and The CITY OF BRADENTON today announced numerous changes to the Society’s annual Heritage Festival parade scheduled this year on Saturday, April 27, 2024. The changes include a new starting location, improved access to and from downtown Bradenton before and during the parade, and a downtown street party prior to the start.
Mike Ivko, parade co-chair and staging manager added, “We hate to leave Manatee High School, the administration there has been wonderful to work with over the years, but the parade and the floats have just gotten too big for the parking lots around the school, we just don’t fit any more.
Additionally, parade participants will be able to park downtown where they can board their floats which will then bring them back to downtown to pick up their cars after the parade. In the past, traffic congestion made it nearly impossible to return to Manatee High School after the parade forcing participants to shuttle vehicles back and forth.
“Bringing the start of the parade Downtown, brings much of the parade’s energy and excitement to Bradenton’s downtown entertainment district.” said Gus Sokos, Society Executive Director. “We’ll have live music on Manatee Avenue beginning around 5:30pm, and food trucks on the south side of Manatee Avenue so families can come down for the music, grab a hot dog or cotton candy for the kids, and then enjoy the parade when it steps off at 8pm.”
The Hernando de Soto Historical Society is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1939 and consists of volunteer members who foster and facilitate an appreciation of Manatee County’s Spanish – American heritage. Through fundraising events and sponsorships, the organization provides educational opportunities and donations to local charities including the Blue Foundation, Beds for Kids, Kiwanis Club and the City of Bradenton Fireman’s Foundation.
