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Get ready for an extraordinary display of youthful energy and creativity as the 2024 De Soto Children’s Parade reveals its spectacular lineup, featuring an array of schools, organizations, and special guests that promise to transform the streets into a vibrant canvas of joy and celebration.
This year’s parade boasts an impressive roster, including Jessie P. Miller Elementary, Star Academy of Dance & Aerial Arts, Kingdom Arts Academy, Seaside Allstars, Captain Cheer & Friends, Brave Enough Books, Free to grow Academy, Dynasty Divas, Girl Scouts of Gulf Coast Florida, and Boy Scouts of America – Cub Pack 111. These dynamic participants will showcase their favorite thing about living in Manatee County, as this year’s theme is “MANATEE, MANATEE, What Do You See?” Awards will be given in categories such as “Most Crowd Pleasing,” “Best Use of Theme,” “Most Imaginative,” and “Most Colorful.”
Don’t miss your chance to see the 2024 Children’s Parade Grand Marshal, the Easter Bunny! Joining the festivities will be the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, North River Fire Rescue, Palmetto High School’s Marching Band, and the Anna Maria Island Privateers. Special guests include De Soto Ambassador Jalyn Thompson, Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Angelina Colonneso, and the 2024 Fair Queens – Ally Carpenter, Anna Radojcsics, Maci Osment, and Saige VanHyning. Look out for the De Soto President Dennis Romano, General Chairman Troy Moore, Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells, Palmetto Police Chief Scott Tyler, Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant, and the Bradenton Police Department with Explorer Post #1004. Also in attendance, riding on their own float, will be our 2024 Queen’s Court and their Conquistadorables.
You can spot the Crewe of De Soto, aboard their float, San Cristobal the III – a stunning replica of a Spanish Caravel used by De Soto and his Conquistadors when they landed in Manatee County in 1939. Riding in regal style on this festival float is the 2023 Royal Family: Hernando de Soto Scott Monroe, Captain Erik Marshall, Queen Alli Cruz, and Princess Kaylah Gunst.
Mark your calendars for Friday, March 29th, starting at 10 AM. The parade route will follow the historic avenues of Palmetto, starting at the Manatee County Fairgrounds, south on 10th Avenue west and then along fifth street west to Sutton and Lamb Park.
The excitement doesn’t end there! Following the Children‘s Parade, dive into the festivities at the Party in the Park, presented by the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County. A celebration for families, offering free resources for parents and a ton of activities for the children, including arts & crafts, games, and the ever-popular ‘Touch-A-Truck’ experience. This is sure to be a day of boundless joy and community camaraderie. Join us in celebrating the spirit of togetherness and creativity at the heart of the 2024 De Soto Children’s Parade and ELC Party in the Park.
This event would not be possible without our Presenting Partner Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, and our Event Sponsors, Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant and Publix Charities.
