STUART ── In advance of its annual 4th of July fireworks, the City of Stuart hosted its 4th of July Golf Cart Parade on the morning of the country’s 250th birthday.
The downtown breakfast crowd was treated to about 10 golf carts, bedecked in red, white and blue, cruising from the 10th Street Community Center down Ocean Boulevard, onto Flagler Avenue and looping around Osceola Street before returning to the community center. Participants paid a $25 entrance fee, and prizes were awarded for the best-decorated cart.
Families lined portions of the parade route, waving American flags and cheering as participants tossed candy and celebrated the holiday with patriotic music and festive decorations. Many of the carts featured creative themes, including oversized stars and stripes, red, white and blue balloons, streamers and handcrafted displays honoring the nation’s history and military service.
The golf cart parade has become a popular way to kick off Stuart’s Independence Day festivities, giving residents and visitors an opportunity to gather downtown before the evening celebration. The relaxed pace of the parade allowed spectators to take photos, greet neighbors and enjoy the community atmosphere.
The city’s celebration continued throughout the afternoon and evening with children’s activities, food trucks, a movie in the park, live music and, of course, a fireworks display that lit up the night sky over the St. Lucie River, bringing the daylong celebration of America’s 250th birthday to a colorful conclusion.