Thank You to Our Sponsors:

As we bid farewell to another successful De Soto Heritage Festival, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of our sponsors. Your unwavering support and dedication have been the driving force behind the success of our festival, and we are incredibly grateful for your partnership.

 

To our proud Festival presenters, Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Café on St Armands,  and Oysters Rock Hospitality, your commitment to our festival is truly commendable. We couldn’t have asked for better partners, and we are thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with you.

 

A heartfelt thank you to the Manatee Performing Arts Center for graciously hosting our Farewell Dinner on Tuesday night. Popi’s Place, your delicious potato bar and cheesecake table were a highlight of the evening, and we are grateful for another year of your catering.

 

Wednesday’s Queen Selection Program at the Bradenton Area Convention Center was a memorable event, thanks to your continued support. NDC Construction Company, your sponsorship of the Queen’s Court ladies is deeply appreciated. A warm thank you to our event partners, Cox Chevrolet and Manatee Memorial Foundation for bringing special guest performers, Miss Florida, Miss Georgia, Miss Tennessee, and singer/songwriter Chris Eisenberg.

 

Thursday’s Dignitary Reception at the Courtyard by Marriott Bradenton Sarasota/Riverfront was a true testament to your longstanding partnership with our festival. Your support over the past 30 years has been invaluable, and we are honored to have you as our host hotel. 

 

Friday night’s Investiture and Coronation Ball was a grand celebration at the Bradenton Area Convention Center and was made possible by your generous contributions, thank you Visit Bradenton Gulf Islands! Our heartfelt appreciation goes to our esteemed 2025 Ball Sponsors: Manatee Memorial Hospital, Manatee Memorial Foundation, Finch Roofing, and MOR TV. Together, you crafted an enchanting evening for our esteemed dignitaries and cherished guests. Gratitude also extends to our esteemed table sponsors, including Jones & Sons Pest Control, Cox Cheverolet, Shake Pit, Davi & Valenti Movers, Anna Maria Oyster Bar,  Manatee Memorial Hospital, Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, and Manatee Memorial Foundation. Special recognition goes to our Entertainment Sponsors, Gold Coast Eagle Distributing and Budweiser, as well as our media sponsor, Doctor’s Diet Program and our official De Soto Jewelry sponsor, Jess Jewelers.

 

The Grand Parade, presented by Cox Chevrolet, stood out as a highlight of the festival, thanks to the unwavering support of our sponsors. We extend our sincere gratitude to each and every one of you for contributing to the Parade’s resounding success. Special thanks to our Pre-parade Block Party sponsors Heintz Law, Iheart Radio, and Kid Zone Sponsor Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County. Additionally, we would like to thank MOR for live streaming the Grand Parade. We are deeply appreciative of USA Fence for providing barricades along the parade route, guaranteeing the safety of our participants. 

 

Gratitude to Coke Florida for refreshing beverages throughout the week and Metro/Manatee Ice Co for their provision of ice. The festivities concluded with an unforgettable After Parade Party at the Courtyard by Mariott, courtesy of RJM Contractors, Inc. Thank you for your continued support!

 

A special thank you to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Bradenton Police department, EMS, and the City of Bradenton for ensuring the safety of our festival participants all week long!

 

In closing, we want to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering support. Your contributions have made a significant impact on our festival and our community as a whole. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.