SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – An estimated 100,000 people are expected to line Manatee Avenue for the DeSoto Grand Parade.
Organizers say more than 150 floats will enter this year’s parade. One of the floats will be from the Krewe of F-Troop Tampa, a non-profit known for their float “Fort Courage,” a reference to the 1960s military sitcom F-Troop.
“The hospitality, the crowds — it’s always a fun, interactive crowd while we’re parading,” said Rob Fisher, president of Krewe of F-Troop Tampa.
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The parade draws families from across the county. Jeff Nace, president of the Hernando de Soto Historical Society, said the DeSoto Grand Parade combines history, heritage and heart.
“We’re probably going to throw somewhere between two and a half to three million beads. We’re the second largest night parade in the southeastern part of the United States, so it’s just something we love to build on,” Nace said.
Fisher said he has been part of the parade for more than 20 years. The float will be stocked with beads, stuffed animals, glow sticks and moon pies.
“The entire top of the float is loaded with different types of throws, everything from cases of moon pies to rubber ducks and all kinds of stuff,” Fisher said.
Fisher said three krewes from the Panhandle will ride with his group.
“They’re going to come over here, they are going to be riding with us today, so we get to expose them to the area and the crowds, and it’s just a fun event all the way around,” Fisher said.
“The smile is what makes everything worthwhile,” Fisher said.
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